When I started my sophomore year, I wasn't exactly thrilled to be living on campus again. Most people that do either do it willingly or simply wanted the convenience of campus being a five minute walk away.

For me, I just wanted my own room where I could throw articles of clothing anywhere I wanted and have a little oasis to go to for relaxation. But due to parental suggestion, I gave in and spent my second year of college living in a dorm again.

I was fortunate to be in a better dorm than I was last year, especially since it was air-conditioned and had its own complimentary perks of a movie theater, kitchen, and gym. I was looking forward to this at least and knew it was close to five of the dining halls as well.

But my stubbornness remained and I was still wishing that I had my own apartment that so many of my friends had moved onto after freshman year.

However, I found that moving into a dorm again as a sophomore was a lot different than moving into one as a freshman. For one, you know your school and already have good friends. You're no longer lost and overwhelmed by college. You have a place and are no longer afraid to put yourself out there. It was also extremely easy to do this because my new dorm housed both freshman and sophomores, so I had people in my hall who were in the same position as me.

Fortunately, I was also blessed with two great roommate experiences both years. There were never any big fights or awkward silences that occurred between us. Both of the girls I lived with were vastly different people that opened me up to a world of possibilities and friendships I never knew I could gain. They saw me at my best and my worst and I am forever grateful to them for the compassion they showed and the hope they gave me that things would be okay.

But I find that each semester in college is different and despite the fact that I enjoyed the convenience of class being at my doorstep and the carpeted floors that lined my room, I know that it is time for me to move on.

I have met so many more people because I was able to live on campus again. I was able to be more open and really get a sense of what it means to be a leader and a friend to someone, since my roommate this year was a freshman.

I was able to walk proudly and have things to do as I observed the freshman stumble through this, realizing that I may have looked just as nervous as them last year. I grew exponentially this past year and I only wonder how much growth I would've missed out on had I decided to jump into an apartment after my first year of college.

Looking back I probably wasn't as ready as I thought. I had a lot of figuring out to go through (and that I'm still going through) and I know I've gained a sense of responsibility from it.

I know that this is a chapter in my life I must end. It prepared me for more than I probably realized but I feel more than ready for a change. I know there's a part of me that will miss being on campus but somehow it's a necessary step to take in order to grow.