Dear First Semester,

As I begin to write this, I sit quietly in the Syracuse airport waiting for my plane to board. I try to think of where to begin; my first semester as a college student is complete. Where is there to start? Do I talk about my amazing new friends, my first college exam, living in a dorm for the first time, the first party, the college "romance" scene - where can I even begin?

Look, I've been extremely lucky and ~blessed~. I've met absolutely awesome people who I can now call my friends for life. I've learned to balance school work and social life. I live with some of my best friends (and amazing RA). I've achieved an impressive of my professional goals as an aspiring journalist, writing for different publications and working at my school's TV station as a correspondent.

Being said, I've also had my fair share of unpleasant/stressful experiences, from boys (like every college-aged girl) to cramming for exams and more. The thing is, however, all of these things make up the "college experience." It's what makes college so great. We are able to learn from our mistakes and actions, and, with the help of our endearing friends, move on, be better and come out stronger.

Moreover, I am thankful for all of my experiences, the good, the amazing and the not-so-amazing as a first-semester freshman (is that a thing?).

To my new friends, I will treasure our friendships for life. I promise to never lose my signature "craziness" (I'm just a ball of energy when I'm hyper) and, of course, I will ALWAYS sing my heart out next time I hear Drake on the radio.

Thank you, my professors and TAs, for being extremely helpful and just all around great teachers. Your work is admirable and your love of teaching is definitely recognized. Sorry for sounding so damn corny, but it's the honest truth.

To my just-as-crazy, fun-loving RA, thanks for putting up with me and listening to my rants, from boy troubles to late night study sessions for archeology. I love you!

My family, I've missed you so much but thank you for supporting me and letting me live my life independently as a college student. It's been such a great experience learning to make my own decisions. However, I know that I could not have functioned without your guidance and support over the past 18 years, and for that I am grateful.

What I've learned in the past three months of my life has been the most I've ever learned about myself. I've learned that I am worth it, even if I may not feel like I am at times. I've learned what it's like to be a true friend to someone, to cry on someone's shoulders (or vice-versa), to appreciate even the smallest of things (like my mom doing laundry for me). I've learned the importance of balancing social life and school work, the strong bond of family and that distance truly does make the heart grow fonder.

Now, home for a whole month before I go back to Syracuse, I am left with nothing but good memories of the first semester. Counting down the days (January 18 come faster), I cannot wait for what next semester will bring. I'm ready for ya, 'Cuse Round 2.

So, to quote my fifth-grade self's favorite band, Fall Out Boy, "Thanks for the Memories."

With love and gratitude always,

Lauren Dana