One of the scariest things about moving to college is the people. All of these people on a campus that are unfamiliar to you, most likely in a town that you're not very familiar with, and you're surrounded by strangers. Thousands of strangers. It's not always easy to make new friends. One wrong look can give a terrible first impression.

My first few days on campus as an official Central College student were overwhelmingly exciting, exhausting, and emotional. While I had been thrilled to leave high school and meet new friends and have new experiences, I was nervous about meeting those new people. What if they didn't like me, or we didn't have anything in common? What if they found out all of my past mistakes and insecurities? What if I didn't fit in?

These thoughts were racing through my mind as my parents drove away after helping me unpack and move in. However, I also knew that all of the other freshmen were having the same thoughts. That put me at ease. Let me assure you, moving into a new season of life is terrifying, sometimes terrifying enough to hold you back. But I am begging you -- don't let that fear paralyze you. I knew that all of the other freshmen were having the same doubts as I was.

Going into my first week with this mentality made it easier for me to approach people. I was (and still am) extremely fortunate to have had a friend on the first day. I felt as if I had known my roommate, whom I had met for the first time just a few days before, for years instead of just a few days. Together, we faced the dining hall and the first few campus activities seeking out other people with whom we could possibly be friends. Lucky for me, I was able to find a solid group of friends in just the first few weeks. Although I was just getting to know these people, I felt more at ease with them than I did with a lot of people I had known for my whole life. As the semester wore on, I realized what I had found. After spending the past two semesters with them, they are now the ones I would go to for anything.

To the ones who made my freshmen year, thank you.

Thank you for being so vulnerable and open to starting a new friendship. I'm not sure that everybody was as excited as I was to begin a new chapter of my life. By accepting the position we were in and willing yourselves to meet new people and let them into your lives, you have made lifelong friendships.

Thank you for praying with me on the nights I just wasn't sure. Everyone has second thoughts, be it in a class, a relationship, just doubts in general, anything. Whether it was a heart to heart until two in the morning with my roommate(s), a visit to the chapel, a drink from my favorite coffee shop, or even just a quick hug on the way to class, someone was always there. Being in a place where everyone was experiencing the same turmoil of emotions made me realize that it was OK to not be OK. Knowing this, I never felt alone.

Thanks for making Central feel like home. From eating dinner together every night to spending the nights together making new memories, it was hard to feel homesick with such a great group of people to spend time with. Even for the people that I wasn't particularly close with on campus, only known to me by association, there is something comforting in seeing a familiar face. I always knew who to expect while walking to class. The "Dutch Fam" is a very real thing.

Thank you for experiencing college with me. College is something that you can only do once. Last year at this time, I couldn't imagine who I would meet at school, much less who I would consider important in my life. Now, I can't imagine not knowing anyone that I met this past year. It amazes me how even the smallest interaction with a person can drastically change your life.

In a few weeks, we're all moving back to campus after three months of living in our hometowns with our hometown friends. I've loved living at home with my family and seeing old friends, but I absolutely cannot wait to get back and live with my very best friends. To the ones who made my freshman year, thank you for challenging me to become the best I can be. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. Thank you for choosing Central. I can't imagine my freshman year without any of you.

To the incoming freshmen, don't let fear hold you back. Put yourself out there -- this is the time in your life where you really get to make life what you've always wanted it to be. You'll be amazed at what you find you can do when you let yourself be vulnerable and trust that everything will work out the way that it is meant to be. I promise you, you'll find your niche.