Freshman year of college…you were an adventure novel full of new faces, new places, great surprises, beautiful lessons, and oh so many blessings. With each page turned, I came to know myself better and grew more into the new shoes I put on when I walked out the door of my house that hot day in August. It took a while to break those shoes in, but I did, and I fell in love with how they felt. But they didn’t tell me about some bumps I’d stumble over along the way or the hidden paths that would end up being my favorite ones.
They didn’t tell me…
I would cry the first night at college.
Or many nights for that matter.
I would meet people in the first week that would remain my friends for the rest of the year.
I would jump at any opportunity to eat off campus.
I would be bored without a car to get me places.
I would embrace my adventurous side.
I would find enjoyment in exploring little towns on the coast.
I would struggle through numerous classes.
That high school doesn’t teach you how to study.
Or much of anything.
That math class is no longer a thing (praise the Lord).
That hiking and coffee shops would be so therapeutic.
I would fall in love with painting.
That wearing pajamas to class any day of the week is totally acceptable.
That the microwaves in the lounge will always burn your popcorn.
That ping pong is a competitive lounge sport played by everyone.
That there will never be an open washing machine when you’re in dire need of one.
I would not be good at taking college tests.
I would actually enjoy having a full schedule.
I would resort to coffee and tea before water any day.
That coffee dates would be the go-to way to catch up with a friend.
I would miss my family as much as I did.
Or how hard it was for me to stay in contact with people.
That I would struggle to accept love from friends...
But create bonds that I wouldn’t replace for anything.
That my friend’s closet would be my go-to place every morning.
That fast food runs at midnight were a necessity.
I would meet the most amazing guy (and get to date him too).
I would have my first slow dance.
That dance parties would be one of the most fun pastimes.
That laughter is the best medicine.
That April barely existed.
That the weeks before finals would be a nightmare.
I would cry over an eight-page essay.
That packages and mail could become the highlight of the week.
But no one would ever send anything.
That ramen would be my best friend as I ran low on meal points.
That the sunset at Gordon College is the most beautiful thing.
That sandals, longboards and hammocks are the epitome of a college campus.
And I don’t own a single one.
I would see ambulance lights passing my dorm at least once a week.
I would find the greatest comfort in snuggling with my friends.
That hearing from home could brighten my week.
That Spotify would get me through any homework assignment.
I would fall in love with Boston.
That dorm community is the greatest blessing.
That love is the most beautiful thing.
I would fall in love with learning.
I would fall in love with college.
But the biggest thing of all…
They didn’t tell me that freshman year would be the best start to the greatest adventure of my life.