"Where do you find the time to do school work?" This seems to be the question that defines my first semester of college pretty accurately. And it seems like every time I'm asked that question, I never seem to find a suitable answer.

Personally, I went to a high school with only about 170 kids total. This small student population gave each student an opportunity to be an involved and very well-known student as soon as they began their freshman year. As I went into high school, I knew that I wanted to become involved in my school community.

Throughout high school, I managed to meet a lot of the accomplishments that I had set for myself at the beginning of my freshman year. I was able to serve as president of my homeroom for three years. I was chosen as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and head editor of the school yearbook in my senior year, as well as being elected the National Honor Society president. I was also a member of my school's speech and debate team, where I qualified for state and national championships for three years in a row. I also volunteered as a lector and sacristan during daily mass that they had at my school.

And on top of all of this, I was an honors student. I managed to maintain the second highest average in my class. And I don't say this for bragging purposes or to put anyone down. I say this so that you can picture how much stress and anxiety I had experienced balancing all of these things and still trying to maintain a GPA high enough to get me substantial scholarships to top notch universities.

So as my high school career came to a close, I decided that the small student population that provided me an opportunity to stay involved was something that I wanted in a college. And that is what Adelphi has provided me with for my first semester of college. And although I like to think that I have been handling it well, I wouldn't have made it through without venti iced caramel macchiattos and the help of my amazing support system.

Although I did make it through, I must admit that it was not easy at all. The college transition had worried me enough, knowing that I was going to be a part of the Honors College. This meant that I was going to be in rigorous classes with reading and writing intensive assignments which required hours upon hours of work. As intimidating as it may have been, I have managed to get through the stress and anxiety and get the job done.

I joined Adelphi's largest community service organization, CALIBER, as well as Newman Club, Future Teachers Association, the Ultimate Frisbee club team, and Student Activities Board, where I have recently been appointed as assistant secretary. Aside from writing for the Odyssey, I work as an Admissions Ambassador and volunteer as a Peer Mentor for Adelphi's Bridges program. As I look to add Greek life onto that long list of time commitment and involvement, I wonder if I will be able to handle it.

As hard as it may be to stay involved in college, I must say that it has definitely paid off. I have come across some of the most amazing people through the clubs and organizations that I participate in. As many times as you might feel that you are alone, the truth is that you are not. There are so many people that are experiencing the same struggle that you are, and they would be more than happy to help you adjust.

So although some people might see me as an overachiever, I am proud of who I am. Being involved is an integral part of life, and the experiences I have gained through these clubs and organizations are ones that I simply cannot show enough gratitude for.

Why do I put so much time and effort into these clubs and organizations? I do not involve myself in order to maintain bragging purposes or for any type of reward, but rather I do it because it is what I am passionate about. I find joy and fulfillment in being able to contribute to the community around me. As an aspiring teacher, I continuously strive to make a difference in the world around me. I volunteer at soup kitchens and collect used clothing for the homeless because that is what I love doing.

To sum up everything I've learned from these experiences into a single mantra - you are not alone. It's important to keep in mind, that as isolated as you may feel, others are feeling the same way you do. Do not be afraid to ask for help, because there will always be a helping hand no matter where you are or what you need.

So, where do I find the time to study? Well, let's just say I've lost plenty of hours of sleep, but as my high school Latin teacher always used to say, "You have all of eternity to sleep."