I have always thought a lot about college and the friends I would make while earning a degree. It seems crazy to think the time has finally come for me to be a freshman. As excited as I am to be a new student, there is not one place on earth I would rather be other than Tuscaloosa. The University of Alabama has so many opportunities, and I am so thankful to be at the best college with wonderful faculty, students, and alumni.

This past week I had the privilege of attending Camp 1831 and learned about the history and traditions of Alabama while practicing leadership and service. With help from the Office of First Year Experience, nearly 400 new freshmen were able to join the Crimson Tide Family and gain memories to last a lifetime.

Day one of Camp was exhausting. After moving into the dorm and making a late-night Target run, there was no way I was going to wake up on time for check-in. Snoozing for an extra 15 minutes, I finally made it down to the Ferg and met the A-Team while learning Yea Alabama. It was within a couple of hours that I knew Bama was the right place for me when something clicked. The sense of pride and overwhelming compassion from every student at UA is immeasurable to any other campus. We bleed crimson in Tuscaloosa. We work as a team. We stand together as one. It is a blessing to be at the Capstone of Higher Education, and I am so happy to finally be home.

In addition to meeting out-of-state students and sharing common interests challenging one another to be outgoing and go on adventures has been my favorite. Day 2 pushed me out of my comfort zone as I was able to start a conversation with total strangers and make them feel welcome to my home state. Whether it be running a relay or having a dance party, Alabama knows how to put on a show and make incoming freshman feel included. There's always going to be new experiences coming my way, and I cannot wait for what the future has in store.

Becoming a part of the Crimson Tide Family has been the best decision of my life. UA is a beautiful campus with talented, intellectual individuals and I am so grateful to be at this university. What else could you need if you have football, food, and fantastic friends? Freshman year, I'm ready for you and I hope you are too. As always, Roll Tide.