"It was the best of times and the worst of times." College has been the best and worst part of my life. I've never laughed, cried, stressed, or smiled so much. So far, these three years have taught me more about myself and the world than I have ever known. These are the reasons that college has been hard and, honestly, some of the worst years of my life. These are the reasons that I'm having the best time in my life.

I'm trying to figure out my identity.

College is the time where you learn who you are. This can be a painful process. When you aren't confident in who you are and what you stand for, it can be really hard to fit in with certain people or to make decisions. Searching for your identity is a long process. Some people find it early on in life, but some struggle with their identity for years. With everything that comes along with college, it can be really hard to find out who you are. I'm personally still having a hard time trying to figure out who I am, and it's taking a toll on my mental health.

I'm dealing with so much anxiety and stress.

With college comes a lot of tests, papers, and presentations. Of course, you are bound to have a lot of stress and anxiety. At times it can be completely overwhelming and really weigh you down. I have wasted so much time being anxious instead of staying focused to study. Stress can be physically exhausting. I constantly find myself exhausted and anxiously waiting for the next break to come.

It's hard being away from home.

My freshman year was especially hard for me. It was the first time I was away from home for a long portion of time. I lived two hours away from my house, and living without a car on campus was rough. I constantly found myself wanting to go home but not having a ride to do so. I missed my mom, my pets, and my friends so much. I felt like life was moving on without me and that my home would too.  

Change is hard.

Change can be really hard to deal with. I have never been accepting to change. The thought of things being different from what they have always been is scary, especially if you are satisfied with how things are. With change comes loss, experience, and new beginnings. That can be a pretty intimidating thing.  

Friends can change.

The friends you make in high school may not be the same. Many of my "best friends" are barely acquaintances to me anymore. Losing contact with people and seeing how your relationships change over time can be rather depressing. Change is hard enough already, and to top it off, you are dealing with losing people you thought were your world.

I've found out who is really there for me.

College isn't all that bad though. It has been some of my best years, too. I've found out who has truly been there for me. I've made new, lasting friendships and reestablished old ones. I know my "best friends" from home, and know that we are friends for life. The new friends that I have at school are so supportive and loving. It makes me happy to know that there are so many memories to make with my new and old friends. I'm really satisfied with who I have chosen as my little support system.  

I'm striving towards my dream job.

One of the best things about college is knowing that one day you will get a degree to be what you've always dreamed of. One day, I will graduate with my master's degree and become the occupational therapist I've always wanted to be. I can't wait for the day that I am able to impact the lives of others and help people live a happy, fulfilling life. I know that one day all this stress and studying will be worth it.  

I've become more grateful.

College has truly opened my eyes to the world around us. I have learned to be grateful for the little things. Also, I have become grateful for even being able to receive an education. For all the times I've complained, I feel bad. Misericordia has taught me to serve others and treat people with mercy and hospitality. It also has shown me that there are justices that need to be served in the world. My heart has gone out to so many people in need, and for that alone I am grateful. 

I've made some new memories.

Along with the college experience comes the social life. I have made so many memories with my college family through taking classes, serving the community, partying, bowling, roller skating, and everything under the sun. You become truly grateful for these times and memories because it helps you break the stress pattern. Some of the best times have been when I let loose with my friends and gone on adventures.  

The future looks bright.

I can say that one of the greatest things college has taught me is that the future is bright. I find myself worrying about the future at times. The unknown can be terrifying. College has taught me that the unknown should be explored with curiosity and bravery. We don't know what will happen in the future, who we'll be friends with, whether or not we'll have a family, where we will work, or where we will end up. Working hard through four (or five for me) years of school will guarantee that there is a big bright future ahead of you. It's waiting for you to come.