Coming home from my first year at college, the number one question people are asking me is, “what did you learn?” I learned how to finally whistle, thanks Chels. I learned I am easily persuaded to get fries when I do not need them, thanks Em. I learned about leadership theories, but how do I truly answer that question? During my first year, I actually learned a lot about myself. Writing helps me think, but I do not like sharing what I put down on paper very often; so here I am, stepping out of my comfort zone, sharing what I learned my freshmen year at college for whoever wants to read.

I learned what it truly means to be grateful for my loved ones. Anyone who knows me knows I am a major homebody. Moving an hour and a half away from home was tremendously hard for me. I was extremely homesick. I wanted to be with my family. I wanted my friends back because I was not making any, and I questioned whether I chose the right school. I hated how easily I became homesick. However, I made it through; making CNU my second home. While being homesick means I miss something from back home, it also means I am blessed enough to have something to miss. I thankfully have supportive family and friends that make it so hard to leave them. Not having them around to cheer me up caused major panic. However, my homesick experiences, with more encounters to come, have made me truly gratefully for what I have.

I learned to be Juliana Dalton. I have finally started to like who I see in the mirror. I have flaws, but they make me, me. I discovered I am more introverted than I thought, but I learned how to use that to my advantage; thanks leadership minor. I may be quirky, and loud, but that is who I am and I am okay with that. I tend to take a lot of things personally and try to fix every detail; however, I am realizing I cannot please everyone and sometimes you have to do what is best for you. I have no regrets from High School, and I would not change anything, but at CNU I was not afraid to be Juliana. People saw Juliana, not Juliana and whoever or whatever they associated me with. It is going to take time to know exactly who I want to be or who I am supposed to be, but I am finally letting myself dictate who that is, not others.

I learned to trust God no matter what. At the beginning of the year I stressed about things back home. Stuff that did not matter anymore. This on top of school stress was not healthy. I did not trust God was with me, and I could not see the opportunities He had for me. God lead me to get involved with Cru and Special Olympics. These two organizations helped me so much my first year. Cru provided me with friendships that help me to grow my relationship with God, and I am way beyond excited to strengthen these friendships and build more. Special Olympics gave me an escape from school. I got to work with children who put a smile on my face every week. I am so glad to say that I was blessed with the opportunity of becoming the Young Athlete Coordinator. Cannot wait to see where these two organizations take me.

These are only a few things I learned in few words, but these are the ones that stuck out to me. I still have three years to go and lots more to learn, and I am ready for every second of it.