This week, classes end and finals begin. It's almost unbelievable to me that my friends and I have completed our first year of college. One year down, three more to go, but I never want it to end. I have so many reasons to be thankful for my freshman year.

Thank you for showing me my strength.

I truly found my inner superwoman this year. From being a nursing major to working all week, it wasn't easy for me. However, I handled it, and it was more than worth it. I now realize I can deal with anything that comes my way. It is SO good having that self-assurance that you will ALWAYS be okay, no matter what happens to you. Maya Angelou, a strong woman who we can all learn from, once said "I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it."

Thank you for making me realize how smart I really am.

In high school, I never really cared about my grades. Now, I stay awake crazy hours of the night just to get a good grade on my next anatomy test. I always had it in me, but this year made me realize it.

Thank you for letting me be whoever I want to be.

If you asked me who I want to be, I'd say, a nurse, a leader, a friend, a helper, a writer, and a hard worker. I am now one step closer to all of these things happening for me. The opportunities I have received this year have exceeded my expectations.

Thank you for my new friends.

Thank you for bringing me to these amazing people in my life who I call my best friends. They have become family to me over this past year. They have gotten me through EVERYTHING. I hope they never have to question how much I love them, because everyday I thank you for giving them to me.

Thank you for keeping me with my old friends.

College hasn't changed a single thing for me and my forever friends. I will never take these friendships for granted.

Thank you for making me the luckiest girl in the world.

This year has brought the greatest blessings of my life so far. I will never forget this wonderful year and I cannot wait for the years to come.