Dear Freshman Year,

From the second I knew what college was, I anticipated the moment I would meet you. I thought about where I would end up, and what my experiences with you would be like. I dedicated myself to my school work in high school, took the SAT, and filled out applications to ensure I would meet you someday. A little over a year ago, I found out that I would meet you. I felt excited, accomplished, but more than anything, I was nervous. Very nervous.

Would I like you? Would I become too homesick? Would I be able to make friends? Would I even be able to pass college courses?

When move in day came around, I finally met you.

I met you. My family met you. My roommate met you. Her family met you. And let me tell you...it's a meeting I will never forget.

When we were kids, we always had this mental image of what you would be like, an image that was based off of stories, movies, and the media.

Guidance counselors, teachers, and principals tried to prepare us for the transition, but let's be honest, nothing can really prepare you for moving out of your house, moving somewhere new, and being on your own.

However, I think we can all agree that, for the most part, this past year has been one of the most enlightening, enriching, and revealing years of our lives.

We learned how to live with someone else, how to budget our money, how to time manage, how to be creative (really, really creative), how to step out of our comfort zones, how to follow a routine, how to live and work in small places, how to prioritize (for the most part), and how to be, well, an adult.

We met new people, people who will probably be in our lives for many years. We met new professors, some of which have had intriguing, successful professional careers. But most importantly, you helped us meet ourselves.

Essentially, college is where it all it begins. We being working on our careers, our financial future, and the person we want to be. Being on our own teaches us a lot about ourselves and the people around us.

We've made lasting memories, friendships, and goals. Ultimately, we hope that we can continue to make these memories, friendships, and goals as we finish our last three years with you.

Thank you for an incredible, unforgettable year,

Your Student