I have been in college for two and a half years now. In that time, I have experienced so many different and new things. Some of those experiences were very difficult and hard, and I have learned so much about myself through my decisions.Throughout it all, I have stayed true to my values and beliefs.

I am Catholic, and the way I live each day reflects the values I hold. I went to Catholic school my last two years of high school, and I grew up Catholic. I still go to Mass every Sunday. I choose to practice my faith and it affects the ways in which I interact with other people. It also affects how I view dating and romantic relationships. Though I have not exactly had the greatest luck in relationships, I know what I stand for and what I will never compromise on. Dating for me is a serious endeavor. It is a place that is a path to marriage. As I have never been in any romantic relationships, I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about myself and the commonalities and differences I hope to find in a significant other. A history of friendship is important to me, as well as the ability to converse, because sometimes, I get very nervous and anxious when talking to someone I have feelings for, and it prohibits me from reaching out to that person. I would also hope that that person has similar values and morals as I do, too.

It has taken me a long time to figure out the details of what I hope for romantically. I have only ever been single, so all of this discernment has come about as a product of my single life. Now, when something I hope for doesn't work out, it is very difficult for me to overcome. Disappointment is a very heavy weight to bear, but I have learned something from every single one of the friendships that never made it to the relationship stage. Perseverance, determination, hope, and confidence in myself. Because I never chose to settle, I have these things, and I understand the importance and beauty of friendships. Friendships have withstood the test of time, and they have given me the support and strength to get through all of the challenges I face in all of my interpersonal relationships.

I have never settled. I don't know my exact path in life, but I know where I am going, and what I hope to get out of life. I know what I deserve, and how my values that I gained from my Catholic upbringing and schooling have integrated themselves into my daily lives and relationships. Until that day when I am pursuing, and being pursued by, someone, my goal is to work to be content with my life and with strengthening and deepening my friendships, because, as I am very often told:

"You never know what might happen someday."