Isn't college bomb?! Complete and total freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want, without any nagging or scrutiny from parental units or figures of higher authority? You can eat whatever you like, stay out as late as you fancy, and spend your time how you see best fit (even if that means binge watching "Narcos" before starting that English paper...sorry mom.) I mean you're completely responsible for yourself! You're finally an ~adult~ living (semi) independently in the real world... it's pretty sweet.

My transition from home to college was a little more complicated than I'd wanted. I've had Type 1 Diabetes for 12 years, and a lot of my responsibilities at college involved taking complete control of my health, a task that definitely seemed daunting (and still sometimes does). This kind of responsibility is taken by a lot of students who have something personal to deal with as well, such as severe allergies or other issues, both medical and otherwise. Over the years I've learned that, even if it's not immediately apparent, every single person is dealing with something that affects their life every day. This "thing" could be anything, but it's true for everyone. This is so, very important to always keep in mind; you never know who's dealing with what!

I used to absolutely despise the fact that I had diabetes. I truly hated talking about how I had to prick my finger, inject myself with insulin, and count carbs at every meal. It was something about myself I couldn't stand, even though it was (and is) such a huge and permanent part of my life; I was embarrassed. During my junior year of high school, though, I had an experience that completely changed how I chose to deal with my health. I had gone out with a group of friends who had no idea about my diabetes, and I intended to keep it that way. We were all talking and laughing, having a grand old time. Some friends and I had entered the center of the party and were expertly breaking it down to "Dark Horse" by Katy Perry when suddenly, I felt my blood sugar dropping extremely quickly. A few minutes later, my sugar was dangerously low and I was on the verge of passing out. Unfortunately, I was among a group of people who had no idea what was going on with me, or what to do about it. I had been so embarrassed by my diabetes that I had put my health and safety at extremely high risk. I tried to reject a huge part of my life, all for the sake of appearing "normal" and "cool" to my peers...not at all worth it.

“Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don't be sorry.” -Jack Kerouac

Kerouac says it best: "don't be sorry." If diabetes has taught me anything over the years, it's to always boldly and unapologetically advocate for yourself. If there is any part of you that is different, quirky, and should be known by people around you, make sure they know! The only way to live your best, happiest, fullest life, especially at a new school in a completely new place, is to be 100 percent true to yourself every single day. Neglecting to share your true self, especially if it's a big part of your life (like diabetes is for me) will only prevent you from being at ease; it's important to find comfort in knowing that your peers know exactly who you are. If you're scared of judgment and feel shy or awkward about sharing this part of yourself with new people, remember that you are not at all alone. Everyone feels this way! Chances are people will be way more willing to share with you if you take the initiative to share with them. This is how some of the strongest connections are made. Don't be shy -- dive right in.

I love New Orleans and I love Tulane; I go to an amazing school in an incredible city, filled with truly great people. There is no way I'd be as happy as I am here if I chose to present a version of myself that was somehow censored or different from who I really am. Be yourself, totally, confidently, and unapologetically. Be kind to yourself, look out for yourself, and love yourself. Take care -- you're your best and boldest advocate!