Waiting in traffic, receiving my room key, unloading the mini van, setting up my dorm, my parents eating my "tuition-worth" of food in the dining hall, and saying goodbye. I remember move-in day like it was just yesterday, yet it feels like forever ago. This past month has been nothing but adjustment, discomfort, emotion, and realization.

Saying that college is an adjustment is an understatement. In addition to the obvious modifications of college like classes and living with a roommate, there are one million little routines that change when entering this new environment. Not having your own bathroom. Showering in a space smaller than a bathroom stall that has the water pressure of the sinks. Always carrying an umbrella in case of a pop-up rain shower. Listening to trains go by at night. Spending more time on homework and studying. The list could go on forever.

Going along with adjustment comes discomfort. Don't get me wrong, I'm not uncomfortable at Duquesne, but being here has made me learn to find comfort in discomfort. Many times during this first month have I gone to events, club meetings, and classes alone to try to meet people. And anyone can admit that those types of situations are uncomfortable. Seeing people who already formed groups of friends within the first few weeks and trying to make new ones through those groups is tough and uncomfortable for anyone. On top of the discomfort of trying to make new friends comes the feeling of being new at a school all over again. Going into college, I thought that the label "freshman" meant nothing anymore, and that nobody cares what age you are and that everyone is equal. Looking back on it, that was a lie. I'm reminded of how it felt to be looked down upon and it sucks sometimes, but I'm adjusting to that discomfort as well, and with time it will fade.

Saying this first month was an emotional rollercoaster is an understatement. Any and every possible emotion that could have went through my brain did. From the moment my best friend left for college to now, my brain has been all over the place. Honestly, on move in day, I didn't cry until my parents were out the door and drove away. That's when I knew it was all on me. There's no turning back to the only life I've ever known. My dad isn't here to make me breakfast before school. My mom isn't here to share dinner with me. My brother isn't here to make fun of my parents with me. My best friend isn't here to laugh at videos on Twitter with me. My boyfriend isn't here to give me a hug and promise me that everything is going to be alright. Although they all are just a text away, it's difficult not having them all around, and it makes me sad sometimes. I've also been super hard on myself for not making friends as easily as I have hoped. All through high school I had my two groups of friends in band and on the swim team (which I miss both so bad now). Now I'm back at square one. Sometimes college is difficult for more reasons than just the school work.

This past month I have reflected a lot on what has happened and who I am as a person. I learned that making friends sometimes doesn't happen overnight, but sometimes it does. One night some girls on my floor were having a Bachelor in Paradise watch party in the lounge and I'm so glad my mom pushed me to go, because I met the girls who lived next door to me, and as of now they're my best friends here. By far, my best friend here is my awesome roommate. We knew each other in high school and one day in homeroom in the spring I asked if she'd consider rooming together. We get along so well and share similar sense of humor and sarcasm. I'm so freaking happy to have her here as well.

I also have adjusted well to my classes. I'm going to just put it out there that I have anxiety, and I've had it for almost ten years. School has always made me anxious, especially being in classes, and I can say that I've never been so comfortable in the classroom and with my schoolwork. I love the block scheduling of college as well, that I can choose what I want to do when I'm not in my classes. Also, I love all of my professors. They're all very dedicated to what they do and they all are very knowledgeable and helpful when needed.

I also love the variety of food on campus. The dining hall always has a lot of options, and when the dining hall fails, Chick-fil-a saves me. I also have spent WAY more money than I should at Starbucks and on Ubers.

All-in-all I can say that as much as I miss the people close to me, I'm not homesick. I'm not anxious. And although the hills on campus make me out of breath, I love it here, and I hope what's to come is nothing but positivity.