To recall, my first ever article on The Odyssey was a reflection on my first semester in college. To sum that up, it was one of the most difficult times in my life. Between breaking up with my high school sweetheart and the guy who used me and the one I was sure would be the one, the dating pool did NOT make life any easier. On top of all of that I was unhappy in my major, other people judged me for things I did not do, and I was just unsure about how my life was really going to turn out. My whole life I always had a plan, and by the end of freshmen year, I “barely have a pla–”

But then things began to change once December rolled around. I began to realize that nothing of that should have the power to hurt me any longer. The moment my face was covered in tears, screaming that I want to go home and nearly booked one home, was the moment I realized there were some changes to be made.

Spring semester was by far much better and didn’t hurt quite as bad. In fact, I finally grew up and realized who really was there for me and who wasn’t. I have learned many life lessons in these past few months that I will cherish. I learned not to be a pushover, that no one has the power to control me. I am not some toy to be used at a guy’s disposal. I am a human and I deserve respect, especially if I respect you. I learned maturity, that people will be rude and may backstab you, but in the end you will find people to surround yourself with who aren’t still stuck in high school. I don’t put up with anyone who doesn’t respect me; I am much too strong for that.

Fall semester blessed me with amazing teammates, but spring semester blessed me with sisters. I went through formal recruitment and accepted an invite into Zeta Tau Alpha. Since bid day, I have loved every minute of being in my sorority and love everyone in it. I have also been introduced to many new people because I switched majors. Starting later than everyone else in the major was nerve wracking at first because they had all known each other for a whole semester. At this point, I have felt welcomed by my new peers and can’t wait to work with everyone for the next three years.

I am not going to say I loved my first year of college, but I am glad the way it has ended. I think the moral of the story is that: things change. Stuff happens. We just have to move forward. Live like a shark. Sharks will die if they don't continue to move forward (seeing they can't swim backwards). To all the graduating high school seniors, good luck on your next journey. Hang on, everything you ever knew is about to change.