As a senior in college I look back at the good old high school days and see the difference these past four years have truly made. I've seen myself grow up a lot over the years and continue to become a new me, the me I was always suppose to be. I know this happens to everyone while in college because four years is along time and you are bound to change with all the independence college brings and the new and extraordinary adventures you get to have. I am so thankful for my college experience and the people I have met along the way, whether they are going to be there for the long hall or just a short moment. It’s crazy to think how fast four years has really gone and that my last days at Fairleigh is finally approaching. I am going to be depressed for months, who am I kidding years, once I leave but I am excited to start life in the real world as well. These are some of the things college has changed about me:

My Friends:

When I came to college I still had my best friends from high school. I came here really scared that no one would like me, I would be an outcast, and probably end up transferring. I was completely wrong about that. Freshman year I had great friends but I still did not feel like this was were I was suppose to be. Then sophomore year came around and that was literally my year. It was my favorite year of college and probably will always be. I met my absolute best friends that I know are going to be there standing next to me at my wedding and sitting out on rocking chairs in our old age still drinking and yelling at kids to get off our lawn. Although my friends from home started to fade I felt okay about it, because this was where I needed to be and these were the people that I know were suppose to be in my life and I was suppose to meet.

My Personality:

Back in high school I was very introverted. Not to say now I am the most extroverted person there is, but I am a lot more confident in whom I am and have an easier time talking to new people. I was very quite and liked to keep to myself and my friend group when in high school and even before that. I came to college with that same mentality, but that was soon to change. The thing that made me come out of my shell the most was going out for recruitment. You really only have 40 minutes to show these girls who you are and why they would get along with you so I needed to brake out my best material. I ended up joining Zeta Tau Alpha and could not have made a better decision. These girls and this sorority truly helped me become the person I am today with more confidence in who I am and okay with talking to new people.

My independence:

I have always been somewhat of an independent person but college opened my eyes to what that word truly meant. Living on campus all four years you have to fend for yourself. You are in charge of getting all your work done for class, getting to class on time, eating, making plans to go out without needing permission. It is an awesome feeling but also kind of scary. This is preparing you for the real world after college and knowing that after I am going to be out on my own getting an apartment and a real person job sends shivers down my spine. I thank college for preparing me for that kind of independence but just wish the college aspect was not so short lived.

My Appreciation for my family:

When I was home all the time back in high school I wanted to be anywhere but there. I would be at my friend’s house everyday, I would get annoyed at my parents for always being around to annoy me and fighting with my siblings because they were just so frustrating. Now since I am away from them everyday and can hardly visit home because of all the responsibilities I have, I miss those old days. I miss talking to my brother and having stupid arguments that make no sense, and the home cooked meals, and my parents yelling at me for not being responsible enough with all my work. I now appreciate all those days I use to hate and try to get away from and make my best attempt to go home when I can to be apart of it again.

My view of the world:

Before college I never really had the time or way to go visit different parts of the world. I have always wanted to but there was never enough of a reason to spend that much money to go. Now that I am in college these are the days to go see the world when you can. There are so many programs that let you go abroad to so many different parts of the world at a somewhat low cost. I have gotten to experience England for the first time and it is amazing and will hopefully get to go to Japan before I graduate. I love getting to be this cultured and taking advantage of the programs while I still can.

College truly changes a person for the better and morphs them into an improved version of themselves. Everyone should experience it and get the amazing results that it creates. I don’t know who I would be if I did not go to college but I do not want to know. I am happy with who I am now and whom I am growing towards. The things I have done and learned and the people I have met have completely changed my life and I am forever grateful. Change can be scary but it is worth it in the end.