As I'm a little more than halfway through my second semester of college ever, I can definitely say that it's way different than my first semester. For one thing, I'm passing all my classes right now! I know that seems silly to be excited about, but I really struggled last semester, especially in the beginning, and the fact that I got my midterm grades back and I'm passing everything is a personal accomplishment for me. In the beginning of last semester I barely tried, and it really affected me because I had to work extra hard at the end just to pass. Now, I'm trying to start off strong so I'm not as overwhelmed when it gets close to finals.

Even just starting off this semester was way different. I already have my friends and I'm super close with the people on my floor, so I was more excited than nervous to get back after winter break.

I now know more of what to expect when it comes to the classes I'm taking. I know that they're really hard and I know that I need to put in the extra effort to get the results I want. There have been more times where I'm celebrating about a grade rather than crying because I've failed, which feels really good. A lot of times I feel like I put in a lot of effort, but don't get the results that reflect that. Lately though, I feel good about the work I'm putting in, and I'm getting results I'm relatively happy about.

It's been a hard process, and I know I'm still only a freshman, but I can definitely say that I'm happy about the way my first year of college is turning out to be.