Exactly one year ago, UGA Early Action decisions were released for the Class of 2020, and that was the moment I knew I would be attending the best university in the nation. As many of you know, some of the Class of 2021 discovered their fate this past weekend, and as I watch the excitement of these future dawgs, I can't help but look back and reflect on these past few months spent at UGA. If I could go back and tell my high school self what my life is like now, I would've never believed it. I've already learned so much at UGA that goes further than just the classroom.
I've learned so much through all of the people I have met. People coming from all types of places with all types of backgrounds. I have met people from places right her in Georgia to as far as New York or California, and even some people from different countries. Meeting new people who have come from such different places has given me a whole new perspective, and I am so happy for that.
I've learned so much from all of the opportunities I've had. Whether it be in the city of Athens or on UGA's campus, I've had so many opportunities to serve others by being a part of several out of hundreds of organizations offered at UGA. From being on Spirit Squad and helping with homecoming festivities to being on the event planning staff for Inspire UGA, the opportunities are endless! There are so many organizations to choose from and I'm so happy to be able to be so involved.
I've learned so much about my faith. Coming into UGA, I couldn't wait to find a Christian organization to be involved in! At the beginning of the year, I decided to attend the Freshley kickoff. Freshley is a branch of the Wesley foundation, and it is a way for freshmen at UGA to encounter God and be discipled. It was honestly the best decision I made since I've come to UGA! A Monday at Freshley is a night full of worship, spiritual growth, and fellowship. I am thankful to have been blessed with the best small group full of girls who can just laugh and be real with each other. I have grown so much in my relationship with Christ because of Freshley at UGA and I'm so thankful to have such an awesome and uplifting atmosphere filled with so many like-minded people.
I've learned so much from the memories I've made. From late night trips to Snelling to cheering the dawgs in Sanford Stadium, I have made so many memories in my first few months at UGA. I know that these are the memories that I'll remember for life. I've laughed until I've cried. And then there's been those not so fun memories like pulling an all nighter at MLC or running out of gas on a random back road in Watkinsville (these memories are actually funny now). Either way, these are the moments I'll never get back and I am thankful for every memory made at the best school in the nation!
With only two weeks left in my very first semester of college, I do not regret anything about attending UGA. I've grown so much as a person already, and I can't wait to see what the rest of my future holds here. To the Class of 2021, I hope you get as much out of UGA as I already have. There's no other place I would rather be. Go Dawgs!
