A year ago, I was moving into my freshman dorm. I was nervous because it was the first time that I had ever lived out of my house and I was not entirely sure how it was going to be. My whole life I have always been closer to girls. My best friends have always been female, so when i was told I would have to live with a guy I was scared. I've never been a macho guy and I was worried that I would have little in common with whoever I was going to be paired up with.

I wouldn't say my first housing experience was bad. It just wasn't what I expected. I barely saw my roommate and if I did it was right as I was falling asleep. I've heard roommate nightmare stories and luckily it wasn't a nightmare, I just didn't feel as though I had any connection to my roommate.

Luckily, over the course of the year I found a really good group of friends and we became really close. Close enough, in fact that we all chose to live together. This time, however, I would be living with a mix of boys and girls. While the process was longer, I am extremely happy with the turnout.

So this year, instead of rolling my stuff in with a pit in my stomach and nerves to shake me endlessly, I came in with a smile and a huge hug from all of my roommates. I came into a family and a place where I knew I felt secure. I knew that these people would become my rocks and my confidantes. I know moving forward that it takes time to get used to people and to find who you want to surround yourself with.

It may only be the start of the year, but I can't wait to make amazing memories. Here's to a great year. I love you all