Dear Freshman Year,

You were great. You were horrible. You were everything in between. I have a love/hate relationship with you. Because I of you, I met some of the best people I have ever met, but I have also met the worst. Because of you, I have had nights that I have stayed up until the crack of dawn laughing with friends, but I have also stayed up all night crying. You pushed me academically and taught me that although GPA does matter, it is not the most important thing in the world.

You have taught me to let loose and have fun, but also to hold tight to what I believe.

This has been one of the best years of my life. You have opened my eyes to how much I value my family. Going into college I had no idea I was going to miss my family as much as I have. I have called my parents everyday—most days I have called them about five times.

You have taught me that sometimes living with people you don’t know is great and they become your best friend. You have also taught me that sometimes living with people you don’t know is the worst thing in the entire world and management becomes your best friend.

The reason I hate you the most is: the freshman fifteen is a lie—it is more like the freshman twenty-five. I have never eaten so many “I am stressed out" cookies in my life and I have never weighed more.

The reason I love you the most is: Waffle House—I have never eaten so many “roomie date/late night cravings/I am broke and hungry waffles” in my life and I am so glad you introduced me to this wonderful yet disgusting place.

Freshman year, although I cannot decide if I love or hate you, I can say that I am so thankful for you. You have introduced me to so many amazing people, you have given me a sorority I love, and you have taught me so much.

Love,

An emotionally, mentally, and financially drained college student