A fresh start is such a promising and hopeful concept: The idea that, no matter what’s going on in life, there will always be second chances. Everyone needs them, and sometimes they’re the best things for us.

I’m transferring schools this fall. At first, I thought my current college was the absolute best, and I was so proud to be a student. But through a series of unfortunate and eye-opening events, I realized that I no longer had a strong connection with my campus, my peers, or my administration. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t regain the same feelings I’d had when I was an optimistic and naïve freshman. At first, I felt hopeless, but I later realized that transferring schools was the fresh start. Suddenly, I began to get some of the hope back that I could be just as happy as I used to be. Yet through these tough times at school, I’ve grown up and learned a lot. So even though I’ve dealt with a lot of hardship in the short amount of time I’ve spent here at this school, I’m grateful for the life experiences that I’ve gained.

The transfer process can be stressful, but I’m starting to realize that starting fresh isn’t as scary as some may think. While I am a little nervous to start at a new school where I don’t know the campus or many people, I feel an excitement unlike any other that I’ve ever felt before. I feel excited to be starting a new chapter in my life where I’ll be exposed to more opportunity for success and growth. I feel excited to be living in a completely different atmosphere and meeting new people. Most of all, I feel excited for the ability to start over in every aspect of my life. I get a second chance at happiness in college, and it’s one of the best feelings in the world.

It’s never too late for a fresh start. Sure, it takes a lot of courage. Fear of the future is a very real and understandable thing. Just remember that the opposite of fear is faith. You have to step out in faith with the realization that, even though things may not work out, you’ll be OK. So don’t be afraid of the clean slate. Embrace it.