As we rapped up our first year as college students, we were no longer the babies on campus. We returned to our hometowns and heard the questions from all our friends and family back home, “So, how was your first year of college?”. Then our minds wondered off into the ever so mind boggling, nostalgic, and chill given question. “So…college?”, what did that exactly mean to us…

So…

1. Long late nights

We all each had late nights whether it was spent studying for finals cramming in little hours of sleep, or dancing the night away with your best friends to music from "One Direction" all the way to "Fetty Wap". College was a time with no curfew, where you could get cookies delivered until 3AM, or spend it laughing with your dorm neighbors, all cozied up in your room where it felt like two was a party, three was definitely a crowd, but it was worth the hours you all spent together.

2. Game Days

Dressing up and getting ready to support your favorite team was something you always looked forward to since you started. It was a time when everyone got as passionate as the next and everyone came together for the love of the game with all the glitter, pom-poms, and 'gopheralls'. These days consisted of so many pictures and memories you’d laugh and talk about forever. The countless school songs, chants, and hours spent tailgating; these are the fall days no student will miss and that you can already find yourself counting down to for next year.

3. The Freshman 15

We all know the dreaded idea of gaining the Freshman 15 and while the first few weeks we lied to ourselves that we’d go to the local rec center, we’d eventually find friends who were just as concerned and pushed us to go on runs and sometimes sneak in that salad in at lunch so we could eat that ice cream later. We never thought it would happen to us but we knew going to work out, even if just for a quick walk would save us sad thoughts later.

4. Roommates

Being paired with a person you never knew before you unlocked your door on move in day was quite the frightening thought. As the days went on and your bond grew closer, you realized you were not paired with some awkward weird stranger, but your best friend. You’d find yourself spending countless hours together and frequently asked the question, “Are you guys ever apart?”. We had endless laughs, cries, and even laughing so hard you cry nights. The rant sessions, followed by "Do they ever shut up?" Finally, you would come to question how you ever survived so long without them.

5. Classes

Walking into your first college class was definitely a sight. Sitting in a lecture hall with 300 other students, you didn't know where to start. You were so used to knowing which friends to sit by in class too; "Should I sit in the front to make sure I look like I know what I am doing?" You’d learn what ways to take notes works the best and make friends with people who sat next to you and were just as confused as you. The year would pass and you’d learn the front is not so bad, but the back is where you can surf the web and not get caught or not worry about being called on. As classes come to an end, you’d see it was not as bad as it was made out to be.

6. Independence

College is the place where you find out how to be less dependent on those whom you were before. You learn how to live on your own with no certain rules in place. Living on your own comes with so many other responsibilities and you start to become an adult. The real world is really becoming real and everything is no longer at your fingertips. You are able to chase your own dreams and pursue your own passions, whatever they may be.

So…College?

You were crazy, wild, fun, stressful, rowdy, challenging, laughable, and nothing short of exciting. It means so many different things, that when we are asked that question memories will flood our heads. Whether good or bad, we will have so many moments to reflect on. This first year of college was one to never forget and taught so us many lessons that will have us wanting to keep coming back for more, and the thought of leaving it behind heartbreaking. But the notion of being back in less than one month leaves us anxious and ready for year two. So…college? I thank you.