My first semester at Mississippi State is over, and let me tell you it went by faster than I would even imagine. So much has happened, and so much has changed since I moved on campus mid-August for New Maroon Camp and to experience living three and a half hours away from home.

I came to Mississippi State excited but also very nervous to experience life on my own without having my mom to guide me in every step along the way. I had the same worries that most college freshmen seem to have such as if I would make friends and not truly knowing what I wanted to do.

Although at times it was indeed quite hard, lessons were learned along the way. I learned more about myself and my true interests and am now more confident that the classes I am now taking will prepare me for whatever I end up deciding to do. No, I have not fully made up my mind, but I now feel on the correct path to get me to where I need to be.

I learned how to be independent and take charge of my life. With independence came more self-discipline which I am glad to have found. Without it, getting everything done would not have possible because as you often hear, there is always something going on at every moment.

But with self-discipline comes being able to acknowledge when it is best for you to be study rather than saying yes to hanging out with friends. Being alone and not getting to always spend time with people was not always fun, but I learned how to accept it and be content with only myself.

I met plenty of people, proving my earlier fear of not making friends to be false. Some friends I met after not long in the semester, others I met later on. I am most thankful for the few close friends I have made. They have made my time at MSU even better than I could have imagined.

I truly believe you meet people exactly when you are supposed to and that the people who become your closest friends may surprise you but only in the best way possible.

So thanks first semester and thanks MSU for not giving me everything I wanted, rather what I truly needed. I can not wait to see how the next six or seven (we'll see) semesters turn out. Whatever happens, I hope to be able to look back on it, and see how much I have grown.