My freshman year of college has been a year like no other. I have gone through so many new things this year that have changed me. As I am sitting in my dorm room writing this, I have one week left of freshman year. While I am excited to go home for the summer to be reunited with my family, my friends and my hometown, I am sad to be leaving my new home, my new friends and the memories of freshman year.

I have always been very close with my family. My parents are the most important people to me, and my sisters are my best friends. College was my first time away from home, besides one week here and there for high school trips. I knew I would be homesick, but I did not think it would be as bad as it was. For the first month of college, I wept every day, multiple times per day. I could not eat, I could not focus on my schoolwork, and the thought of staying at college for the next four years of my life frightened me. I was afraid to be leaving everything at home behind and changing into a new person. I called my family more times than I could count. They listened to my sobs, they offered advice, and they reassured me that in time, I will love college. They were right.

College started to feel like home when I joined the dance team. I was surrounded by four other freshmen who felt the same way as me, and the upperclassmen were very welcoming. I was doing what I loved, dance, and I felt like I had a sense of belonging and purpose at my school. I am so glad I joined dance because otherwise I do not think I would still be at my school today.

I met my best friend, Amy, on the third weekend of school. I don’t know what I did the two weekends before because I don’t know what I would do without her. We both share a love of "Grey's Anatomy," pizza (we once ordered two large pizzas just for the two of us), Dove shampoo—and the list goes on. At times, we are basically the same person and we understand each other. If I didn’t meet Amy, I probably would not be close with my other friends. They are my people, and I love them.

College is an interesting place. You pay thousands of dollars to be in an environment that causes you to be stressed, sad, nervous and questionable about your life. Yet, the same environment makes you happy, excited, motivated and builds life-long friendships. College would be completely different for me if I lived at home, or even if I was closer to home. I am so thankful I never gave up on living away from home. I have experienced so much this year that I wouldn’t have experienced at home. I wouldn’t have met the amazing people that bring me so much laughter. I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

At the end of freshman year, I can say that I have changed as a person for the better. I have become independent, patient, confident, and not terrified at the unknown. At this point in my college career, I do not know my major, and I do not know what my profession will be, but I know that with hard work it will all come together one day. College only gets harder from here, but because of what I have learned my freshman year, I know that I will overcome any challenges. I can’t wait to see what I will be after college, but until then, I will be happy.