Going from freshman to sophomore year is when I think the true excitement begins for a student. In the beginning of freshman year, a lot of us had to leave our friends and family behind for the first time, living an independent lifestyle, as well as being expected to find our place while passing harder classes. However, sophomore year is filled with excitement, high expectations, and maybe even a few tears of joy because you're returning to the university where you did, in fact, find your "place." A place where you'll attempt to have a year that is even better than your first one. That is something I have definitely done and I have learned some of the greatest lessons this year!
1. School is my home away from home.
I found it extremely difficult freshman year for me to think of my school as my new home. It was hard to not miss my hometown when living in the dorms. However, I have really developed a love and appreciation for where I go to school and where my new home is. It is okay to embrace your new home (away from home) because that makes your college experience that much more enjoyable!
2. Some of the best nights are spent in.
After moving into our apartment, my roommates and I have definitely found that some of our best memories have been made while having a night in together. Sometimes inviting some friends over and hanging out rather than going out is exactly what you need. I have honestly cherished all of the nights in I have had with my roommates and our friends where we just sit around and laugh together. I can not wait for more of those nights to come!
3. Hold on tight to your close friends.
As you go through college, you realize who your true friends really are. It is suddenly not as important to be necessarily friends with "everyone" and more important to hold on tight to those who are there for you. This year, my friendships (especially with my roommates) have gotten even stronger and we have honestly made some of the best memories ever. They have been what has made Tallahassee a home for me. (P.S. I love and miss you Carol & Missy!!!)
4. I AM ENOUGH!
This lesson has hit hard for me. I have always struggled with my confidence and self-esteem for as long as I can remember but this year I took on a whole new mindset. I think I have really grown as a person massively in so many ways. And I am so freaking proud!! I have learned that the only person whose opinion matter is my own and I have grown the love who I am! I am enough no matter how many times I have told myself different.
5. Real life is creepin' in.
Woah...the real world is coming. It is hard to realize that real-world, adult life is coming very quickly. I have taken that realization and have analyzed my priorities. I think I have came up with a really good game plan for my future two years of college and that is an amazing yet scary thing. The real world becomes scarier as we get closer to it but I think as long as we start paving our own path, it will actually become really exciting.
