It is a weird feeling to have conquered 18 years believing that all that must be learned has been, and that my life is set and figured out, only to have all of that challenged in a few short months.
That is college, discovering that all that you knew about yourself is going to change, because whether we like it or not, college changes us; it has changed me.
Thanks for the Memories
You have given me amazing memories that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. Memories like playing in Mckeldin Fountain at 2 a.m. or becoming a part of a sorority, or getting to compete at a national championship. Freshman year, you have given me all of these opportunities. And through these opportunities I have found things out about myself that I never previously knew existed. So thank you for that.
I have been fortunate enough to make memories with new people, who I have been so privileged to have gotten to know. When I look back on my freshman year, they will be who come to mind when I reminisce on all of my crazy endeavors.
Failing is Okay
I have realized that sometimes I am going to fail, whether it be on a paper, or an exam, or at keeping my stress levels down when things aren’t going well. In high school, grades mattered much more than anything else. My GPA ruled my life, and I always strived to keep it as high as I could. When I came to college I needed to adjust. While yes, in high school a 3.4 wasn’t that great, in college it is a magical feat. But I learned not to be cocky with my 3.8 first semester because things are only going to get harder. And in the grand scheme of things, my grade in that GOV class I took this year won’t matter in the future.
It is okay to fail, that is the only way that you will learn. You taught me to get up and try again.
Life-Long Friendships
My parents told me that I would meet my best friends in college, and while I still have some high school friends, this has held true. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime. From making friends during welcome week to those in my classes, and girls in my sorority, each and everyone of you is different and have played a vital role in my sanity throughout this year.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to hold onto every friend I once had, but I am thankful for you, freshman year, for showing me that as one friend is no longer a part of my life, someone else will step in.
Yet, I have met so many amazing people since August, each bringing something new to the table, every person being interesting and adding to my understanding of the world.
Julia at national swimming championship
A Roller Coaster Ride
Thank you for knocking me down so many times I lost count; you have shown me just how strong I am by being able to get back up on my feet. The real world is harsh, and people are mean, but thank you for surrounding me with people who will support me in my decisions and give me the strength to keep moving forward.
This year has never ceased to surprise me, continually throwing me into new situations and telling me to react and adapt. These situations have shaped who I am today, months after I first started this journey.
Thank you for reminding me to take time to myself. Keeping my mental health in check has been vital this year through the ups and downs. You showed me that sometimes it is important to skip that lecture and take a break, because it’ll help me in the long run.
Thank you freshman year, for giving me the most amazing year of my life. I am truly blessed to have become a part of so many amazing organizations and meet so many people who have become more like family.
Here’s to the next three years!