Thank you college for making me realize that you are only hurting yourself if you fail to find the good in people, and if you fail to choose tosurround yourself by pure people.

After spending close to 9 months at university, meeting people I wonder how I lived without, I now realize the importance of choice and social environments. Freshman year of college holds a lot of learning. Learning about people, independence, education, and life in general. It is a time when you unwillingly face the fear of the unknown and adapt to a life different than you are use to. It allows you to realize the diversity the world holds, to a greater extent, and the power of yourself to choose who you surround yourself with. College has taught me to surround myself with those who: inspire me -- inspire me to want to make a change, encourage me -- encourage me because they see my potential better than I do, and lastly, make me proud -- make me proud to be friends with such uplifting, motivating people who always want you to succeed. College exists to teach you more than what it means to receive an A on a paper; it opens your eyes to realize the power of the "self".

Despite the cruelty in the world, this world still possesses love and choice. To the greatest extent possible, choose who you surround yourself with on a day-to-day basis. The power is within you whether you realize it or not. Use those powers to inspire, encourage, and make others proud.