When I first applied to college, I had no idea on where I wanted to live, what I wanted to do and what I wanted to represent for the next four years. To be a Seminole or to be a Knight was the question that went back and forth in my head for months on end. Unsure as to what would be the most beneficial for myself academically and socially.

As the May 1st date came closer and the deadline to accept my admission to a University was only days away, I made the decision to become a Knight. Before knowing what the University had to offer, I committed myself to represent the school for the next four years and I couldn't have been more excited.

As my Freshman year quickly approached and ended, I learned so many things that will aid me and have helped me grow into the person I want and strive to become over the next few years. The desire I had to become a strong, committed, independent, motivated and passionate person over my time in college has fully become a reality. If I tried listing all the things college has taught me, it would be never ending but my passion and commitment to two things have noticeably grown.

There are many things I can thank the university for helping me get to where I am and one in specific is Knight-Thon. The universities 20-hour dance marathon for the Children's Miracle Network and more specifically the local Arnold Palmer Hospital for kids is something that I have truly become passionate about. Over my Freshman year, I was able to see how involved the entire campus was about this organization, which made me want to become something in the organization and help out the local community.

Not only has the university taught me to be passionate about a cause but it has taught me many things academically. Being in large lecture classes can sometimes be a struggle. Trying to focus as everyone else is talking around you, staying on topic instead of online shopping or just not listening at all is something many tend to do and something I have caught myself doing at times.

Doing this has made me realize that as many people are in class, the more important it is to listen because trying to go to your teachers or teacher assistants office hours when there are that many people are a struggle and a half.

These two things I have grown to know attending the University of Central Florida are something I find to be very valuable and has made me grow as a person. Each and every day, I tend to learn something new because every day is a day to learn and grow. For instance, today I learned that doing things at the last minute is not always the best idea but college life is never ending and doing assignments last minute is sometimes the only way to go. Besides all of this, I would like to thank the University of Central Florida for helping me grow and continuing to further my education.