A lot can change in a year.

Some years, however, happen to see more changes than others. For me, this past year was one of them.

This time last year seems like a lifetime ago. It was the summer before my freshman year of college and the last summer of life as I knew it. In just a few months, I thought, everything would be different, and I was both excited and scared of that prospect.

This time last year I was, to put it simply, just a kid. I had grown up in a small town and spent most of my time playing music, going to the gym, and hanging out with my friends. My world was small, predictable, and comfortable, and I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Fast-forward to August and everything was changing. My family had packed up and moved away from the small town I called home, and I was about to move into my freshman dorm and start my first year of college.

By the time my college career had begun, I had no idea who I was, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever really figure that out. Thankfully, I was wrong.

In the coming months I learned so much about life, the world, and most importantly, myself. I found my true passion in history and decided on a major and career path. I was right in the heart of the nation's capital to witness one of the most important elections in United States history. I was able to attend the presidential inauguration, the Women's March, and countless other protests that sought to hold our government accountable for its actions. I met the most incredible people who I am now fortunate enough to call some of my best friends. I learned so many lessons about life, love, and everything in between. I lived life to its fullest, and I found myself in the process.

Thanks to the countless new experiences I had this year, I am now so much more confident in myself and my abilities. I have made peace with the past, learned how to appreciate the present, and reached a place where I can whole-heartedly look forward to the future. I can honestly say that I am ready to take on life and whatever it has to throw at me.

So thank you, freshman year, for changing my life. Thank you for challenging me, pushing me to grow, and broadening my horizons. Thank you for allowing me to figure out who I truly am.