As I stand at the precipice of my future (AKA sophomore year), ready to jump in and get started, I first take a look behind me, at my freshman year of college. I catch glimpses of memories made, hinting at all the possibilities for this upcoming semester, but I also see the shadows that will always encroach upon my reminiscing. As I turn back to take in the previous year, I make a few promises to myself about how I can make the next year even better than the first.

I promise to make more of an effort to stay in touch with my family. Last year I kept in pretty close contact with my mom, dad, and sister, but did not talk to my grandparents or extended family as much as I would have liked (or should have done). Family has always been extremely important to me, and I am quite close to my grandparents, but last year I always found myself putting them on hold. Life got in the way. I was too busy. I kept making excuses, and ended up regretting it. This year I will follow through when I tell myself I will call or email my grandparents once a week, and talk to my aunts, uncles, and cousins a few times a month. Relationships with family are something I value, and I will make sure that I do not let those relationships weaken due to only distance and a busy schedule.

I promise to stand up for myself. Experiences during my freshman year have made me realize that at times I lost sight of who I am. I was so intent on what I wanted, that I was not always true to myself. Looking back, I understand that my friends only had my best interests in mind when they tried to advise me, even if I could not see that at the time. I know now what I deserve and will not settle for anything less. I will stand up for not only myself but my friends as well. It is important to understand who you are and who you want to be, and these experiences have helped me learn and grow as a person. This year I vow to be strong and to remember my self-worth.

I promise to step outside my comfort zone and seize the day. Going to school out of state was already a pretty big step outside my comfort zone for me. I am a bit introverted- I love to hang out with my friends, but also need my alone time—and have always been on the quiet side until I get comfortable with someone. Moving to a school where I knew absolutely no one was scary, but also exhilarating. I could start fresh and truly be myself. This year, I will work on being even more comfortable with who I am and build my self-confidence. I will take chances, make memories, and seize the day. My mom always tells me that college is the best four years of your life, and I intend to spend them that way. This year, I look forward to late night conversations, homework sessions on the lawn, movie nights, and many other adventures. For three more years, I will be living only a five-minute walk away from some of the most important people in my life, and I will not let those years slip away without making memories that will last a lifetime.

As I make the jump and embark on my second year of college, I will keep these promises in mind and work to fulfill them. My first year was unbelievably great, but I know this year can, and will, be even better. Life is a series of experiences, and I intend to make the most of every single one.