In all honestly, this year really rocked. But why did it have to go by so fast? As I sit here writing this article on one of my few Saturdays left in the Palouse, I reflect back on my past nine months and realize how much I have grown and the impact that WSU has had on my life. The beginning of the school year was definitely a very rocky start. I had a hard time finding my groove and wanted nothing more than to come home. But thank God I didn't. I honestly would have hated myself if I did.

At the beginning of the year, I was ready for the whole college experience. You know, waking up early and reading something inspiring or educational while I sipped on some coffee. And walking to class and seeing all of my friends on the way and then when I got to class I would sit next to some cute boy and listen to my philosophical teacher. Although this isn't exactly what happened, I still had a pretty revolutionary first year. I learned what it actually meant to say bye to someone and how it's ok not to be friends with everyone you meet, but it isn't ok to be rude. How saying "please" and "thank you" go almost as far as asking how someone's day is going. I learned that embarrassing things will happen, no matter how hard you try to prevent them, and all you can do is laugh about them and to threaten your friends to never speak of it again.

I learned that sisters and family don't have to be blood related, and that it's ok and respected to admit you need help. That sometimes making a mistake leads you down the right path, even when it doesn't seem like it at the moment. I learned that friends will come in and out of your life, but the ones who stick in it are the ones there for the long haul. That being cool or "popular" really isn't the greatest thing. I learned that I can't dance, but do anyways. I learned to take as many pictures as I can but to also live in the moment, because before I know it my time here at WSU will be over.

I learned to hold the door open for others, and to smile at those I don't know. I learned that pulling all nighters only lead to sleeping all day, or cranky me. I learned how much Red Bull my body could physically handle in a sitting: the answer is five. I learned that there's no need to pretend to be someone else and that I should embrace my quirks and flaws, because most of the time, I'm the only person that knows about them. That you shouldn't commit to something or someone unless you're willing to put your heart and go all in. That there's nothing worse than waiting for your Dominos pizza when it's rush hour. That Jimmy John's never tastes as good during the day than it did the night before. I learned that I have some of the best friends in the world, and that I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I learned that these friends will be here for me through thick and thin. I learned that crazy nights make the best stories, and that sometimes these stories shouldn't be shared with others. I learned that you should always try to think five steps ahead of each situation, because one main thing I have learned is that you can't go back.

The things I would do to go back in time to the beginning of this school year. I wouldn't change a moment, but I would like to embrace each memory a little bit more vividly. When I left for school, I never realized it was possible to love something and people so much. I learned how much I love my family and how much I love being a Coug. So as my Freshman year comes to a close, I reflect back on my fast nine months here and count down the days till I'm back in Cougar Country.