We have all heard of the “Freshman 15;” that weight that you will most likely gain in your first year of college.

Sure, people joke about it sometimes when they order pizza three nights in a row and then they laugh it off and say that this is why they are gaining the "Freshman 15." After a certain point, this joke of gaining that weight becomes a reality and it is a more serious issue that people do not want to admit.

My freshman year of college, I gained more than the "Freshman 15." I came out of senior, year of high school somewhere between an underweight and a healthy weight for my height. I entered college thinking that because I was not a big person, I would not have to worry about gaining the weight and that my metabolism would be my helper like it was in high school.

I was wrong.

I would go out to eat at a different, unhealthy restaurant, at least, four times a week. Instead of using my meal plan for eating at the salad bar, I would get french fries, pasta, and cookies at the cafeteria. I would raid our campus’ mini-mart store to buy milkshakes and candy bars. I started to snack every single time I was in bed doing homework, watching television, or when I was bored. I would come home at 2 a.m. from a night out and eat whatever was in my fridge.

At first, I did not even notice how much I was eating and I did not realize it was affecting my body because I looked and felt the same. About a month and a half into school, I tried on my Halloween costume which had fit me perfectly a couple weeks before. It was tight and I had to suck my stomach in just to get it to zip up. During Thanksgiving break, I went home and I had weighed myself. Not only did I gain the "Freshman 15," but I had gained the "Freshman 20," and it was only my third month at school.

I was devastated.

My stomach was not what it used to look like and my thighs could not fit in my shorts or jeans anymore. On top of that, I was having trouble walking up the stairs without getting out of breath and I found myself getting sick more often than not.

I had always heard about the "Freshman 15," but did not realize the impact it would really have on me. It was affecting my self-image and my health. In addition, going to school with beautiful, thin and fit girls made this situation that much harder. Not only did I have to see my body change, but I had to watch these girls keep their physiques and stay in shape. I tried going to the gym but I have never been one to exercise, so that was particularly difficult for me. As much as I wanted to change my ways all I could think was how good all of that food tastes. At a certain point, I had a “screw it” attitude and ate whatever and whenever I wanted. That "Freshman 20" turned into the "Freshman 25" before my first semester was even over.

I got home from college for winter break, looked in the mirror, and cried. I didn’t even recognize myself or my body. To me, all bodies are great and I want everyone to feel comfortable with what they have. At the same time, I was not able to be confident with my new figure. I kept telling myself that I should have just said no to ordering take-out all week or to hoarding ice cream in my freezer. I had friends say, “be careful of the 'Freshman 15'” when they saw how much I was eating. I took that in a joking way as I thought most people did, but that was the first sign and I should have listened to it.

This weight gain and unhealthy eating had caused my cholesterol to skyrocket and my anemia to get worse. It has been over a year and I am still trying to work on my health and get to a better place where I feel comfortable in my own skin. It is important to remember that unhealthy choices can lead to a harmful lifestyle and I wish that I had realized that sooner. It is okay to splurge every now and again but if I were more aware and cautious, I would have been happier and more self-confident with my body during my first year of college.