I can’t believe my freshman year is already completed. It most definitely had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade any of the memories and experiences for anything.

The year started off incredibly rocky. I went through my first real breakup, which led me to go home a lot because all of my emotional support was back in Maine. On top of that, I was constantly homesick. I always missed my family and friends. I really just wanted to be home so badly that I thought about transferring to somewhere close to home.

So around half-way through the semester, I did not think it could get any worse. Well, I apparently thought too soon because around December I developed a gluten allergy! Honestly, after being diagnosed, I was so ready to be home.

Now, let’s fast-forward to second semester. I was a little nervous to come back to school because I left on such bad terms. However, this semester turned out to be pretty amazing. I found my core group of friends, I enjoyed my classes (for the most part), I was physically feeling great, and I was just overall in a better mindset than first semester.

Freshman year was definitely a culture shock for me. I was never used to living without my family, which was hard for me to get accustomed to. But now that I have finished my first year of college, not seeing family for three to four weeks at a time is the norm. I now consider Merrimack “a home away from home," even though it took almost a year for me to confidently say that.

My first year of college taught me a lot about myself and about life in general. I discovered my passion for writing, which drove me to join the Odyssey. I now appreciate my family now more than I ever did. I have made great friendships throughout the nine months as well. Lastly, I have become a better version of myself. I am doing things that I love. I am becoming more adventurous, and I have such a positive outlook on life. I truly wouldn’t trade my freshman year for anything.