I had a different high school experience from most. My hometown has no middle school, so I was in elementary school until the sixth grade, and high school from the seventh grade on. Let me tell you - six years is a LONG TIME. Don't get me wrong - I had a blast in high school. But four years of petty high schoolers are already more than enough - SIX?

I've had my patience tested more times than I can count, in more ways than I ever imagined possible. I mean, there were people trying to start drama literally TWO DAYS before I left for Syracuse - seriously?

College was my chance to get away from all of that. I always saw college as a fresh start... a chance to be whoever you want to be. A place to meet tons of new people. A breath of fresh air. As much as I love my family and friends back home, I wanted to get out of my small town. I wanted my fresh start.

In my few days here so far, I've learned that college truly is a whole new world - it's what you make of it. I've already met so many awesome people, and everyone seems so genuinely happy to be here. I've been loving it so far, and I'm excited for what this year holds!

The day before I moved in, I was walking through the mall with my mom when I came across a clock. The clock said, "this is the beginning of whatever you want." Honestly, it couldn't have been more fitting. I worked so hard for so long and dealt with more pettiness than you can imagine, and I finally made it. This is truly the beginning of whatever I want.