As freshman year comes to a close, I often find myself thinking about the eager young girl I was when I first stepped on campus for move in day. So naive, so hopeful, so open, I was ready to take on this new chapter in my life. However, I was not ready for the ups and downs that the year would come with.
Starting off, it was a rough adjustment. In the midst of trying to find a new group of friends to take on college life with, I became lost in a sea of unhealthy friendships and behaviors. I allowed things in my life that had no business being there and it started to take a toll on my college experience. Needless to say, the first semester was pretty rough. Through all of that, I was able to find the good within the bad. First semester helped me discover who I truly was and wanted to be in life. During this semester, I was able to discover what my true passions were and what I wanted to do with my life. I gained so much experience and had a multitude of opportunities sent my way all within my first couple of months. My grades were amazing and I grew to love my major more and more everyday. Through all of the challenges that I was facing outside of academics, the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications became my home. I spent almost every minute of my time in that building whether it be for organizations, meeting with professors or just to be in a quiet space to get my work done.
Fast forward to December, winter break came and went and it was time to return for the second semester. Second semester is where I truly found myself. I gained an amazing new group of friends, learned to love myself again and held a whole new perspective of my college experience. During this semester is where I believe I gained my independence. I moved almost four hours away from home to go to school which was not easy due to how close I was to my family. I finally learned to handle situations on my own without needing the help of anyone else. I became more assertive and knew exactly what I wanted and what I didn’t want. My experiences in the second semester increased my love for my illustrious Home by the Sea. I gained a second family and a second home, I wouldn’t trade my freshman year experience for the world. There were many days where I would cry until I had no more tears left, wanting to go home so badly. Yet, I also had days where I dreaded the thought of ever having to leave my beautiful campus. Despite all the dorm drama and the nasty cafeteria food, I gained a lot of character. I know that I would not be the person that I am today if I had not experienced my freshman year. In the end, I am happy to say that I made it through in one piece and without any out by 5’s (iykyk). So with that, Goodbye freshman year, you will be missed.