First, I want to thank all three of my roommates for being the best roommates I could have ever asked for. Before moving in I was so terrified about who I would be living with, but it worked out way better than I imagined. It’s always scary thinking of four girls who don’t know each other trying to live in the same dorm for two semesters. Fortunately, you were all my first friends at college and were so easy to live with. I hope you can say the same about me, if not, thank you for sparing my feelings.

The first semester there was a roller coaster of emotions. I think I cried at least three times the first week. Classes scared me, not having friends scared me, and being in a new city, hours away from home was the scariest thing about it all. After making friends and learning my way around, I realized it wasn’t bad at all and things went extremely well. I wasn’t sure if I would pass any classes, but I did, and I passed all them with good grades.

The second semester was a little different. The same people that were there the first semester didn’t return for a second. My classes were a little harder and the professors were a lot different, but I still ended up having a few of my favorite professors this semester out of both semesters. Joining clubs and meeting even more people made the second semester bearable. I have learned that spring semester sucks all motivation away from you. Also, it seems to go by so much quicker than the first semester. Ultimately, I am thankful I made it through, passed my classes, and get a much-needed break after finals.

The best part of your first year at college is how it helps you figure out who you really are. Although people say you find yourself in high school, it really isn’t until you’re at college when you discover yourself. There is no better way to learn life skills than living away from home and having to take care of yourself. I know it is different for people who opted out of going to college because they know the real struggle of living on your own, but eventually, even college students do that too. Sooner or later college kids will have to balance work and school and that’s going to teach more life lessons than anyone.

It took me a while to learn my way around campus and now that I do everything is much easier. The best advice I can give incoming freshman is to join clubs and go to every event on campus, it’s the only way to keep your sanity. I know my first semester as a sophomore will bring many new experiences, and it will be weird seeing lots of freshmen and have them ask me questions about the campus that I barely know the answer to myself.

So, second semester... you have a lot to live up to. Good Luck!