Your college years are some of the most exciting, surprising, nerve-wracking times that you will probably ever experience. College is a time where you meet new people and start to really live your life the way that you choose to live it. You are finally on your own, able to do whatever you want, whenever you want without constant supervision. It’s a time to experience new things, go on exciting adventures, and take advantage of every opportunity that is thrown your way. Freshman year is definitely a bumpy ride on an emotional roller coaster, too. Well, at least it was for me.

I can remember the feeling that took over my body on move-in day. I was sick to my stomach with nerves, having no idea what to expect when I unpacked my life into a new room with complete strangers and leaving my best friends and family behind at home. That first night was definitely a tough one for me. I missed my family, missed my friends, missed a lot in my life that I felt like was completely out of reach. I was afraid of losing everything. I was afraid of change. Classes began, and I found it pretty difficult to make friends. For some reason, I felt like everyone knew each other already, like I somehow missed out on making a group of friends. I struggled to find myself throughout pretty much the entire first semester of college. The only person who truly stuck by my side and helped me get through every day was my mom. She absolutely deserved a best mom award for that semester, and I can't even explain how much it meant to me and how much I am sincerely grateful still to this day.

Then along came second semester, and a lot changed in my life. Many things that I had become so familiar with over the years slipped from my fingers just as I entered into this new world, just as I thought I had found myself. I guess the hard part is that I never really did find myself during that first year of college. Who knows—I still haven’t found myself. I mean, I know where I want my life to head and know my career path, but do I regret some things? Of course. I regret not being able to continue my Irish dance career. I regret how I acted throughout that first year. I regret letting myself slip away. Second semester opened my eyes to new possibilities. I met some incredible people, gained great friendships, and was blessed to become so close with my still-to-this-day roommate.

If there was one thing that I learned from freshman year, it was to have a positive outlook on all situations because things do get better. I am a firm believer in everything happening for a reason. But I am also a firm believer and live by the motto of having a “positive mental attitude.” So here we go, me.

You went through things in your life, and you had low points because that’s what college is all about. It is about discovering yourself through all of the ups and the downs. I am proud of you for getting through what you did. I am also proud of you for learning to be happy and embracing the obstacles that life threw at you. Although you usually didn’t take advantage of all of the opportunities presented to you, well, you still got time. Don’t pass them up now. You are strong, independent, smart, and driven. Congrats on making it past freshman year. Now enjoy the rest of your life. You deserve it.