Photo by Katia Davis
In 2014, I was a senior in high school who was about to apply for college. I was terrified, even though I knew I wanted to attend the University of Kentucky. I was afraid that I would not get accepted, so I applied to a lot of different colleges. When I found out that I was accepted to UK, I was ecstatic. Suddenly, I was not afraid anymore.
As it got closer to graduation, I was starting to get nervous. I knew that UK was the college that I wanted to attend, but I was nervous about being away from home. That was scary for me because I did not think that I was capable of living on my own.
In 2015, I started at UK. When my parents left me at my dorm, I felt lost. I did not know what to do or where to go. I had a roommate who was just as lost as me, but that did not seem to help. I was afraid that I was not going to be able to make friends or be myself.
A year and a half later and I am about to finish my sophomore year. I have the best roommate in the entire world. I have a loving dog and loving friends. I am happier than I have ever been. I no longer feel lost and alone. I found myself here and make friends with people who I truly care about and who truly care about me.
Looking back, I can’t help but wonder why I was so nervous. Being here has had its ups and downs, but I would not trade this experience for the world. I met amazing friends, get to live with my amazing roommate and be myself every day.
This university has slowly become my favorite place in the entire world. UK is my favorite place because it is where I met my best friend. UK is my favorite place because of all the people who care about me. UK is my favorite place because it is my home away from home. Even after I graduate, I will still love this place. I will forever be a Kentucky Wildcat.