As the school year comes to a close, I wanted to take some time to reflect on my freshman year of college. Although I didn't know it was possible, in one year I was able to learn so much about myself and what it's like to live away from home for the first time. My freshman year at school, and I'm sure everyone else's as well, was a trial and error period that I'm extremely grateful to have experienced. Here are just some of the most notable moments of my freshman year:
Going to my first football game: Going to the first football game of the season is probably one of my favorite freshman year experiences. Sitting in the student section looking around and realizing I actually go to this school is one of the best feelings I've ever had. It's amazing to see how much pride and spirit people have for their school.
Making friends: I've been so lucky to have made so many friends from all different places this year. It's incredible how you can continue to meet new people every day, and joining greek life made it even easier to meet so many amazing new people.
Going to my first frat party: I'll never forget the first night of school when I went to my first frat party and realized that it was nothing like how they're portrayed on TV. I also learned that they can actually be pretty awkward if you don't know anyone in the frat.
Failing my first exam: After failing my first chemistry exam it didn't long for me to realize that college is not high school, and that I absolutely hated chemistry. The tests are harder, cover more material, and just because you put in the time and effort, doesn't mean you're going to do well. Failing my first exam not only made me realize that I needed to work harder, it also made me rethink my plans for the next four years.
Getting Sick: At school it's pretty common to get sick because everyone is living so close to each other. One of the hardest parts of this year for me was when I got sick and had to experience being sick without having my parents to take care of me. It forces you to grow up, in a really annoying and unfortunate way.
Learning the freshman 15 is a real thing: There was nothing worse than when I went home for winter break and realized I had gained a sufficient amount of the freshman 15 in just one semester. Although I tried to get my parents to reassure me that I didn't look like I gained weight, I knew that all the late night chicken fingers, jumbo-sized pizza slices, and trying every dessert in the dining hall had caught up to me.
These experiences, along with many more, helped to shape my crazy, amazing, roller-coaster ride that was freshman year.
