My parents will always say "Life goes so fast, so you better enjoy it while you're young." I never really understood what this meant when I was just a little kid, but now I do. I realize that time doesn't stop for anyone.

A year ago today, things were so different. A year ago today, I was so different. Although I am definitely a different version of myself, I know that change is good. Change is supposed to happen because it shows that we are learning what is good and what is bad for us. We have to realize that some people aren't going to support the same values and we might have to let them go in the process.

One thing that I know for sure is how much more confidence I have now. Last year was one of the toughest years for me mentally and emotionally. There were moments when I didn't know if I was going to make it through the day without crying. There were days I did cry, but thankfully I was comforted by my peers. Although those days were some of my worst, I am so thankful that they happened.

In this very moment, I am a lot smarter than I was a year ago. I have challenged myself to go for different leadership positions and tackle different organizations. This is something that I didn't even consider doing at the beginning of college.

I have found myself actually enjoying the classes that I am taking. I have a much bigger understanding of how much our knowledge about the world matters. Not everyone in college is wanting to expand their knowledge on different topics, but I think it helps us to become more well-rounded.

About a year ago, I fully accepted that Jesus Christ is my Savior. What I know for a fact is that God loves me for who I was, who I am, and who I am becoming. How amazing is that? He has seen me at my worst, and he still loves me. He has been giving me challenges because he knows that I can handle them.

I asked a few of my friends if they think I have grown a lot since last year. Many of them had the same response saying "Yes Alex, you are so much more independent and a lot happier." Although this answer is what I am looking for, there was one comment that really stood out to me. My friend told me "Alex, it's beautiful to see. Right now you have a sense of yourself, your worth, and your knowledge." That was one of the best compliments I could ever receive.

I know that we will all grow so much in this life that we live. We will lose friends that we thought will always be there for us. We will figure out that we are the only person that we need. We will finally figure out that no one knows how to get through life without failing. If you aren't getting your way, then you are given chances to grow. Take these opportunities and run.