Going into this school year, I was experiencing a wave of emotions. I was not excited about coming back, but I wanted to give the school year a new perspective. My freshman year was really hard, and it was difficult to adjust. However, I decided to give it a second chance, and I am forever thankful that I did.
I did not have that many friends when this year started. One of my only friends was a girl I met during freshman orientation who I am still friends, and I love with my whole heart. At the end of the first day of being back on campus, I was at a floor meeting in the Dev courtyard when a girl came up to me. She seemed really sweet and bubbly, and she started talking to me. That girl, Ava, is now one of my best friends, and I can not imagine my life without her. Ever since that floor meeting, we have done almost everything together, and I am forever thankful that I met her.
During my fall semester, I started attending events at Mt. Irenaeus, which is a retreat for students about 30 minutes away from campus. There, I met some more girls who are now some of my best friends as well, including Emily, Kristi, Maddalena, and Evie. These girls are also some of my closest friends, and I cannot be more thankful to have met them.
This year, I found a love for college that I did not have last year. Last year, I could not wait to go home for the summer, and this year, I am devastated to go home and leave my friends. I absolutely love it here so much, and I am so thankful for all of the amazing people that I have met this year who have changed my college experience for the better.
I went to Ellicottville for the first time this year. I originally visited for parents’ weekend, and we went for October Fest, and since then, I have been twice. It’s such a cute town, and it’s so fun to walk around and explore all of the shops that the town has. Every time I have been there, I have been to the Ellicottville Brewing Company for dinner. This place is an amazing restaurant. The fries are amazing, and I highly recommend them.
Looking back on my freshman year, I cannot believe how much my life has changed in a year. I look back, and I cannot believe that this is my life now, and I love it so much. I am so thankful for everything that has happened and everyone who has made this place home. I am so excited for this summer and all the adventures I will go on. But I have so many memories from this year that I will remember forever.