As a junior in college, I can tell you the Freshman 15 is real. It’s no secret that when you first go off to college, you’re going to put on a few pounds. With the late night food options, being on your own, being at the mercy of your meal plan, and the stress eating, it’s hard to maintain your high school figure. But, here’s something I wish I knew going into college; no one expects you to be high school thin. With changes in your lifestyle comes changes in your body, and that’s perfectly normal and okay. Accepting and embracing these changes will make yourself happier at the end of the rather than being upset about a number on the scale.

When I was in high school, I was constantly busy. I danced almost five nights a week for two to four hours each night. I did intense ballet classes and taught younger students as well. I would come home from school, eat a quick dinner, go to dance, come home and eat whatever was leftover from dinner, and go to bed. I did that for four years straight.

Dance was my life in high school, but that all changed in college. I decided dance just wasn’t for me anymore, so freshman year of college was devoted to finding my own way and adjusting to college life. While I do regret not really getting involved my freshman year, I’m glad I left that period of time to adjust and find my way. I needed that period of time in my life and I don’t regret it at all. With this adjustment time not only came changes in my personality but changes in my body. My friends and I thought it was cool freshman year to constantly order pizza at 1 AM. While it may not have served my body well, I made great friends those late nights. The stress eating of the first year of college exams was spent making amazing memories with great friends. While I definitely wish I had eaten healthier, I do not regret all the bonding that took place over the late night pizza.

I found a quote recently that I really enjoyed. It goes “nothing in nature blooms year round so don’t expect yourself to do so”. I enjoyed it because I think it is something we needed to be reminded of. Do not expect yourself to always be a perfect person. You will have ups and downs and changes in your life, and that’s okay. This includes changes in your body, that are totally normal and okay. Always remember to take care of yourself and be healthy, but gaining a few pounds during a transitional period of your life is perfectly normal and okay. While I definitely could have eaten better and exercised more, my freshman year of college, I am making healthier choices now. I am in a different place in my life now than I was in high school, so I don’t expect my body to be in that high school place either.