As the second semester of my sophomore year flies by, I can’t help but think about the trials and tribulations of the past two years that I have been at this school and what I’ve gone through to get to where I am now. I’ve made friends, lost friends, endured painful breakups, learned how to be independent and more. I believe that this is all a part of the college experience. No one ever said that it was all going to be fun and games, or there would never be times where you’re sad and upset and angry at everything and everyone. And yes, while it is true that your college years will probably be some of the most fun years of your life, it still should be seen as a learning experience that takes making mistakes and messing up to really understand. It’s all a part of the journey, and everything that’s happened thus far makes me all the more grateful that I ended up at such a great school with such great people.
While the months go by faster than ever, I am becoming more and more aware that I only have two years left at this place. It seems like just a week ago that I was moving into my freshman year dorm, meeting so many new people and figuring out and adapting to the college lifestyle. I’ve found soul mates in my friends, I am able to tackle large responsibilities which I would not have been able to do before I came to school, and I have learned a plethora of information about myself. I am more confident in my decisions, I have goals that I am working toward, and I know what I want to do with my life. A year ago I don’t think I would have been able to say most of those things about myself.
College really does bring out the best and worst in people – you are pushed to the greatest of your potential, but also pushed to your breaking point. This is why so much can be learned about yourself while in college. You become aware of how much you are capable of, while also figuring out at what point you are pushed beyond your breaking point. Your friend groups change, you change, your life changes. When I was in high school, I don’t think I ever would have thought that I would turn out to be the person that I am now. I’ve changed so much within the past two years and I most certainly attribute those changes to my college experience thus far.
It is sad to think that I am almost halfway through my college career. These have been the best years of my life thus far and have taught me so much. I am eager to continue the rest of this semester and begin my junior year in the fall. I, along with others, must enjoy these moments while they are here. Before we know it, we will no longer be second-semester sophomores and instead be seniors preparing to graduate. We have to enjoy these years to the fullest while we still can.