I never imagined facing a harder decision than when I had to pick a college to attend. There were so many options out there and to be honest, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. As time went on, I found my calling, or so I thought. Finally, after an entire indecisive semester, I picked my major. I chose Public Relations, and found out that I was good at it. But more time went on and I decided that I needed something more, something else I was passionate about. The verdict of that search was Fashion. Now, here is where things got rough. My current university didn’t have anything regarding fashion. Not a major, a minor, or even merely a class. So this brought me to my next decision, which came to be by far the hardest decision I have ever made in my life thus far.

The Beginning

Upon graduating high school, I accepted an offer to attend a small private university. It was quite honestly, at the time, the best decision I had ever made. Within one day, I knew that was where I was supposed to be. The campus was beautiful, the people were extremely welcoming, and the atmosphere was full of opportunity. It felt like home almost instantly. Believe me when I say this, I never thought I’d leave. For two and a half years, I seized every opportunity that came my direction. I was involved in quite the list of extracurricular activities. This included being a part of an extraordinary sorority, an avid member of the dance team, and I was also a Dean’s List student. I put my all into everything I did. Unfortunately, there came a day where I had grown as much as I could there. It came time to branch out and move elsewhere.

My Best Friends

I never imagined growing so close to a group of people in my life. It all began the first day of college, our quaint little group of five crossed paths and wow am I glad we did. My first year of college consisted of a whirlwind of emotions, both good and bad. But I can honestly say that without these people, I wouldn’t have made it through. From the late night soccer field runs, spontaneous adventures, endless inside jokes, constant support, and unconditional love, I can truly say there are no better people on this Earth. Leaving these four was heartbreaking and telling them was undoubtedly the hardest part. I didn’t know how to explain to the people who have been there for me through everything, that I was up and leaving in just a few weeks. I am so very thankful to say that even after my departure, we communicate daily and visit each other often. For no matter how near or far we are, they will always take up one of the biggest parts of my heart.

My Sorority

Within the first month of college, I decided to go through Sorority Recruitment. I never anticipated I would get so much out of one organization. Being in a sorority taught me a lot of things. To start with, they’re nothing like you see in the movies. They’re kind hearted, always willing to help, courageous, confident, insightful, and driven. They push you to be the very best possible version of yourself. For two and a half years, I called this group of women my family. Leaving them was terrifying and I wasn’t sure how they would react to the news. However, the support I received from them after breaking the news was unbelievable. To this day, they still check on me weekly. I am so appreciative that college brought me to them.

Here & Now

Halfway through my third year, I decided to add something onto my major that wasn’t offered at my current university. Although it broke my heart to leave the people and place that I had called my home for the past two years, the change was necessary to better my future. I may be over an hour away now, but it still feels like nothing has changed. I am ecstatic at my new school and loving every second of it. But a part of me will ALWAYS belong to that small private university that I left behind. You know what they say, once you’re a part of something, it never really leaves you. Regardless of where I began and where I am now, I don’t have any regrets. I am extremely thankful to have attended both my past and current university and couldn’t be happier with my decision to branch out.

Love Always,
The Colonial & The Mountaineer