Just a year ago, I graduated high school and was anxiously counting down the days to leave for college. Little did I know that in just a few short months I would be somewhere that would completely change me and how I saw the world from my eyes. Being an out of state college student was a scary thought and still is sometimes.
The distance from family and friends that you've been with for years is one of the most frightening thoughts that crossed my mind while awaiting what would be the best year of my life. The days leading up to leaving were the hardest because it was time to say bye to those who impacted my life so greatly at home. After those goodbyes were done it was time to say hello to a different life that would both test and build me to my greatest potential.
Arriving at school and knowing my parents would be leaving shortly after moving me in was such an odd thought to me. When it was time to say goodbye to them, it was extremely difficult but they knew that sending me across the country for college was the right decision.
Just a day or two after they left I began rushing a sorority and just that week in itself set the foundation for what my year would become. On bid day my life was starting to change as I became part of something bigger than anything I've ever known. Although that was one of the best days for me, there was some obstacles that I still needed to overcome throughout my freshman year.
Unfortunately, my roommate situation was not perfect and there were many issues within our dorm room. But I've always been very shy and unable to confront people due to fear of what the outcome would be. Luckily, that experience pushed me to a point where I was able to reach out to my residence assistant and community director for help. I always like to think that switching roommates and advocating for myself was one of the first steps of me changing and becoming who I am today. My second roommate is one of the best people I've ever met and I will always appreciate the help and guidance she gave me.
After I gained a new roommate, everything kept constantly changing for the better. I found myself meeting new people from different places on campus and my grades were getting higher due to the positive environment in my dorm. College brought me life changing friends that constantly support me and always will no matter how far across the world or the hall we are from each other.
These friends all understood what I was going through every day and listened to both the good and the bad. Being independent in college and doing everything by and for yourself was intimidating, but having a whole class do it with you made the experience worth it.
Overall the people around me changed who I am today and the college experience did the same for me as well. Being put into different situations test you and how you will react to them. One year ago today I wouldn't have been able to pass the tests that college gave me. But over time and through different obstacles, I was able to leave the best year of my life as a new person.“
"Sometimes we must leave our true homes for something greater to come"
-Mary-Jean Harris