There is forever a part of me that will never forget the summer of 2014. Many changes had begun to happen and they were happening rather rapidly. At the time, I couldn't even catch my breath to just live in the moment and realize just how much more of my life was actually about to change after I had started college. I recently had become a high school graduate that June and the world had suddenly become a very real place that I was unconscious about functioning in beforehand. SUNY Potsdam, here I come.

Fast forward to late August of 2014, the morning of college move in day. My nerves were at an all time high and my stomach was in knots; I couldn't finish my blueberry coffee and I was beginning to question my decision, even though it was a tad bit too late for that. Could I really tackle this new challenge and be successful? How would I be able to function without my family nearby? Would I eventually make friends who actually liked me? Is the food in the dinning hall actually as good as they claim it is? How badly will I get lost on my first day? Time to start packing the car and heading off. Here we go, ready or not.

I'll be completely honest, the first two weeks were the hardest. I started to doubt my abilities in being able to do this. Everything that I had thought that I had known was completely different. I spent a lot of my time during my first two weeks alone. Eating meals alone, taking walks alone, watching television alone, you name it. I was extremely lonely and longed for a companion of some sort. Days continued to pass and classes began. My freshman year was in full swing. I eventually became sick of being lonely and decided to branch out. I joined various clubs and met people with similar interests to mine, and before I knew it, the uncomfortable feeling that I had first encountered was becoming my new normal. Here's to my college friends:

You all are my rock. If ever I find that I am in trouble, I now know where to run. You know me better than I know myself most days. When I find myself unable to get out of bed, you are there with warm food and your company and unwavering support -- my safe zone that is away from my home. You know me, good mood or bad. Along with the opportunity with being blessed with the chance to have a wonderful education and a shot in this world, I have also been blessed with all of you. You make this world shine a bit brighter.

Thank you for being you and accepting the crazy mess that is me.