For one, I didn't expect to make it this far. To most, that may be an overstatement and for me it is too, but it had to be said. My first semester has proven to be a combination of hurt, love, rebirth, knowledge, laughter and sadness. While some of those are rather depressing adjectives, they hold great truth and contribute to who I am today.

On my first day of the semester I remember being dressed up in this cute sundress that went up to my ankles. I wore the same dress on the last day of the semester with a turtleneck underneath. This represents my semester in that I was able to recreate myself in a way that I wasn't able to in high school. By this, I mean that everything I had (whether material or personal) was taken to a new level, whether it was speaking up in class or wearing a dress with a turtleneck.

In terms of classes, the one class I recommend for a first semester freshman is Sociology 101. I won't go crazy and recommend my professor, although I would love to, but the class has taught me so much. Beginning with the sociological imagination, defined by C. Wright Mills as the vivid awareness of the relationship between personal experience and the wider society, I was able to understand the world a little bit more. Most of the time it felt like a debate class, as we shared news from around the world, but it definitely helped shape my worldly viewpoint.

My friends, whether they were from school, out of school, in my classes or still in high school, have all made me a better person. A grand statement, I must admit, but one that is true in all its meaning. My friends have taught me the most this semester, whether my group was composed of 30 people or 15 or 5. I can honestly say that some of the friends I've made this semester will continue on to be my greatest friends for life. I am lucky for fate and to have met such enriching people.

In writing this, I've chosen to ignore the bad parts, which were mostly comprised of a lack of sleep and missing quizzes because of the 6 train (thanks, MTA). My first semester at Hunter College went the total opposite of what I was expecting, yet I feel as if everything was meant to happen this way. Thank you to my professors, my parents, my friends and New York City for making this a good one. I'll see you in January.