Freshman year of college just ended and I am so happy to be able to say that it was a year full of amazing memories and great times. I met some of the best people and my life has changed since starting college. For me, college was a transition and taught me a lot. I learned a lot in my classes, but I also learned a lot about myself as well.

Thank you freshman year for allowing me to meet my best friends. Before college, I had plenty of friends and it was sad to leave them behind. Going away to a college where I did not know anyone was a little scary. However, I did not have a hard time meeting new friends. I easily met some of the nicest and most genuine people. I made friends that were similar to myself and I am so thankful that freshman year led me to them.

Freshman year taught me how to be independent. I no longer had my parents waking me up in the morning, making me my meals, telling me when to do my homework, and giving me a curfew. I learned to make my own decisions and how to be responsible. I learned to manage my time and figure out when I could eat dinner, do homework, and have a social life. Being on my own was hard at first, but I adjusted.

Thank you freshman year for teaching me a lot about myself. I learned quickly that sometimes life gets rough and isn't always going to be easy. There were times when I wanted to be home with my parents or I was sad about things. I learned that it is normal to be homesick or sad sometimes. I learned to appreciate the time I got with my family members and visits from them were always the best.

Freshman year taught me about one of the most important in life, staying true to who you are. Freshman year challenges what you believe in at times and you have to make decisions for yourself. Sometimes it's hard to say no to going out with your friends so that you can stay in and study for an exam. College teaches you that you have to choose what is important to you. Just because someone else thinks that a certain career path is right for you, you learn to make your own choices and decisions.

Freshman year changed me, but for the better. I now am way more confident in myself than I was in high school. I am confident in my abilities academic and socially and have come out of my shell. Thank you freshman year for the beginning of the rest of my life and for showing me the road to the rest of my life.