Going into my second year of college, I have reflected a lot on how much things have changed throughout the past year. I stepped out of my comfort zone and moved away from home. I involved myself in things that I found interest in and learned by being at the bottom of the chain all over again. I finished my first year heavily involved in things around campus, participating in many different things to balance with my education. I met countless new people, making great friendships that will be a great support throughout the rest of my college career. I took a chance on a new chapter of my life and it couldn't have turned out better. College is such an incredible opportunity to really find your passions and grow as an individual. It's the time to start trying to grow up and to start to not rely on your parents as much. But trust me, you will call them all the time and that's not a bad thing.

Don't get me wrong, it is a scary thing to start a new chapter in your life and move away from home leaving what has become your everyday norm. You know you are going to make a whole new group of everyday friends and most likely live in a space that is a third of the size of your current room. You have to learn how to do life a lot more on your own which is such a good experience for all of us. Figuring out a new place to you is so exciting, especially those who have that driven love to explore.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Even if you don't think something is for you, give it a try and keep an open mind. College is the perfect time to figure out what you are really about. Meet as many people as you can, and figure out where you want to fit. For me, I really enjoyed changing up everything in my life and making myself a little uncomfortable. It made me grow up and realize that I shouldn't stay in my comfort zone forever. Because what's the fun in that? Make the friends that push you to do things that you wouldn't regularly want to do and that make you a better version of you.

It's the time of year that all the incoming freshman are packing up their stuff for college and getting ready to go on their next adventure. I encourage any of you to do what you can to make the most of it. Even if you are staying close to home, keep an open mind and try to get out of your comfort zone. Don't just stick to the people you may already know and get involved in as much as you want to. Participate in all the freshman stuff, no matter how not fun it may sound, because you only have to go through it once and you'll meet so many new people.

With all that said, good luck. It's going to be the best four years of your life!