My first semester of college is finally coming to a close, and I must say the Lord has taught me so much in these past four months.

I came into college confident, excited, and ready to be independent. But prideful more than anything. Let me tell you, Jesus shut that pride down real fast. By day 3 I was awfully homesick and spent most of my time in my dorm. I am SO thankful Lindsay, my roommate, forced me to make friends and to get involved.

I have NEVER struggled so much with homesickness and feeling very insecure and lonely than I have in the past few months. I had to learn what it meant to be independent and what it was to grow up and not look to my parents for every little thing.

I didn't know how to study or handle the workload, and my grades took a hit because of that. It took me a lot of time to figure out which study techniques work best for me. It took me a long time to make good friends and to become comfortable around them and in my own skin.

Now, I am happy at UT. I have my hard days, but there are more good than bad now. I still look forward to going home, though. Looking back at this semester, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Had I not struggled so much, I think I would not be where I am at as a person, but especially in my relationship with the Lord.

I am so excited to see what this next semester holds, and I am ready to take it on and grow even more!