Dear Freshman year of college,

It's hard to think that just over nine months ago I was stressing over you. I didn't want to leave my comfortable small hometown to come live in a small room for the next nine months of my life. What if I had no friends or I didn't get along with my roommate? I also had a horrible fear of sharing a bathroom with twenty or so strangers. I didn't want to leave my comfy bed with my favorite pillow and most of all I didn't want to leave my family.

But then finally move in day came. It was probably the most stressful, awkward, and exciting time. I was torn between wanting to meet new people and trying to spend as much possible time with my family before they left. But soon I was left alone in my little room with a person I hardly knew. That first night was hard, my small room was too hot, my college issued bed was uncomfortable, and most of all I missed my family.

Then at some point and I don't really remember how I met a couple of people in my hall. They were nice and made me laugh. As the first day of classes rolled around we navigated campus and ate lunch together. Somehow the first couple of months past, I found friends, and campus started to feel like home.

Over the course of the year I have grown closer with the friends I met and now I feel like I've known them longer than a few short months. After late night runs to the caf, spending money we don't have at the mall, and laughing until we cry saying goodbye will be hard. I can't imagine not being only a couple hundred feet away from them. They have kept me sane throughout the year and have made me smile when I thought I couldn't. Without my friends college wouldn't feel like home.

Freshman year came with many challenges and rewards. Not only have I changed appearance wise, (dying my hair and getting my nose pierced, sorry mom!) but I can also see changes in my personality. I know who I am more than I ever did in high school. College has allowed me to try new things and become more independent. I have grown in my faith and have learned how to take care of myself.

College has been a lot of work, but as I look back with one week left I wouldn't change anything about my experience. From the people I've met to the classes I've taken each part has been just a little piece to help me figure out who I am and who I will be. My freshman year of college has been one of the best years of my life and I can't wait to see what the next three years have in store for me!