In late August, I came to Mississippi State afraid but also excited as to what was to come. May 1st marks the end of my freshman year here at Mississippi State. The end came so quickly, but this first year of college has taught me many things.
I learned how to...
Adjust to change
Freshman year was definitely a time of adjustment. I had to get used to living in a different state than most of my friends and families. My everyday routine changed. For the first time in 14 years, hours of my day were not spent at the dance studio with some of the best people I have met thus far in my life. With this and other instances of change in my life, it was important I do more than just adjust to change.
Embrace change
In my opinion, it is one thing to adjust to change. However, it is another to embrace change and know that with change will come challenges you may or may not like but will in the end help to shape you.
Find new hobbies
Next, I learned how to find new hobbies. College gets stressful, but I feel what makes stress better is being equipped with hobbies to reduce stress. This year I really enjoyed going to Chadwick lake on the North Side of Campus in my spare time. I would either walk or run by the lake to give myself a much-needed break from all the work I had.
Following what I believe
It was always preached to me to always trust my instincts and to make what I felt was the best decision for me. Coming to college made me realize just how important this is. Deciding to change my major towards the end of the fall semester was on an instance of how important this lesson was. I had to be honest enough with myself to say I was unhappy in my original major and move towards the major I felt would be a better fit.
Truly study
Before coming to college, I did study for tests, but not in the way I study now. I used to study in spare time between all of my extracurricular activities but I soon learned the importance of designating time in the days or weeks before a test to make sure I understood all the material.
Find the right people
Finally, college taught me how to find the right people. It is not easy to come into a new environment and not know many people. However, in meeting people living near me as well as people in my classes, I have found people who I can trust. These people make me love college even more than I taught possible
Freshmen year was fun, and I am sure I will miss it. But at the same time, I am excited for what is to come in my remaining three years here at Mississippi State.
man running in forestPhoto by 
