I never thought I would make it this far. In fact, I never believed that I would be here at all, let alone finishing my first year of college. I can still remember sitting in my IB classes during my senior year of high school, counting down the days until graduation and wondering how I was ever going to get there. But while the last year of high school couldn't end soon enough, college has been by far the opposite.

I've made so many new friends and experienced new milestones, from my first home without my parents, to living with a roommate, to navigating through college classes in a setting that's about 400 times larger than my high school graduating class of 40. I feel like I've seen it all.

But I'm sure I haven't. I'm sure there are many more firsts in my future... and I can't wait!

I learned so many things that I'd never had to experience before: registering for classes, office hours, more extracurriculars and having total control of my time, diet and curfew.

I wasn't really the popular girl in high school, but none of the cliques or drama matter in college because you are constantly meeting new people, joining new social groups and expanding your squad.

So I guess while I'm slightly sad to leave behind my freshman year (partially out of fear that there are only three years left), the next few years are only going to be better, I'm sure.

I've honestly never hated any part of this past school year: from crappy dorms that flood the basement after every rainstorm, to early morning classes that were a drag, even to some questionable food in certain dining halls. Looking back, these will be some of the funniest stories that I get to tell.

One thing I know will hold true over the years are the people in my life who have helped me navigate my plethora of experiences, both back home and on campus. It's hard not to become overwhelmed at one time or another, either due to finals, stress or homesickness, but feeling my safety tether that holds me to my family and friends back at home was always comforting to me. After all, they are only a FaceTime call or a car ride away, and they're keeping an eye on me from afar, making sure that my first year is everything I want it to be.

And to my friends on campus, who are my newest friends, who I've only known for less than a year, I have felt totally at home and totally happy because of you all. You're there for me at my worst and least attractive moments, and you're cheering me on at my best, which makes it all worthwhile. I'm finally beginning to understand what everyone is talking about when they say that college is your peak, and I can't wait to experience so many more adventures, pranks and new inside jokes with you.

My school and my life both new and old have created the perfect balance and have gotten me through a lot of college, and I hope that future freshmen feel the same about the university they choose.