Dear College,

Thank you for being everything I’ve always hoped you would be. You’re what I’ve looked forward to for most of my life (you know, once I learned what college was, of course). You’re what I spent every day of high school thinking about, the reason I strived for perfection. I didn’t know if we would get along, but I’m happy to announce that we’re friends … for the most part. You’ve been full of new experiences, friends, foes, amazing professors, sleepless nights, picturesque sunsets, Disney-like deer, and spontaneous late-night trips. Thank you for Tri Delta, my Big, my Deltas, suitemates, and cozy dorm, E Pen. Thank you for the endless free food, for having free parking, and for having celebrities on campus (it makes my job easier). Thanks for all the opportunities, and for the hard times, too. Although I wasn’t sure if you were the one for me, I’ve never been happier to call myself a wave (yes, Pepperdine’s mascot is a wave. Willie, to be precise).

We’ve been in a committed relationship for over three months, and we still have three and a half years left, so let’s make them count. While we have a lot to get done before I graduate, let’s take a short trip down memory lane.

Remember NSO (New Student Orientation)? Yeah, let’s not talk about that. That was painfully awkward … the skits, dance parties, My-Tie, meeting people’s parents … oh, and having an I-just-cried-because-my-mommy-left face was pretty embarrassing. Next.

Then there was Sophie’s birthday dinner with boys. (I know, I’m basically 12 at any given time). College boys, though. I met some of my best guy friends that night at Ollie’s Duck and Dive (sounds weird, but it’s delicious -- get the chicken bowl). Oh, I also learned all about the history of Wal-Mart and Arkansas #SouthernFriends.

Oh, I almost forgot! I also got to go to a movie premiere! "Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List," actually. It’s Victoria Justice’s new indie movie (now on Netflix) about a girl who falls in love with her gay best friend. It was cheesy, but also very cute. The stars of the film were there, as was Lucas Gabrielle (Ryan in "High School Musical"). This is my life now, attending movie premieres. I could get used to it. Later in the semester I got to have more celebrity encounters when I went to the "Mockingjay Part 2" premiere and got to see Liam Hemsworth and Josh Hutcherson again, along with a very stoned Woody Harrelson and the darling Willow Shields. Taylor Lautner and Clayton Snyder (Ethan Craft on "Lizzie McGuire") but came to campus, and on Halloween I got to meet Tavi Gevinson (founder of Rookie Mag) and Amandla Stenberg (Rue in "The Hunger Games"). Dreams do come true!

After that fun time, there were some tears. Rush is not fun, just letting you all know. It’s worth it, but it’s absolute hell. I scoffed at the girls crying in the bathroom, until I become one of them. Rush is hard, even at a school where there are no houses. It hurts to be rejected, and you’re not going to want to hear this, but you get placed into the house you’re meant to be in. Trust the system. I missed an event and almost got kicked out of rush, so make sure you go to all events, even if you don’t like that house! Missing an event hurts your chances at getting into any house. You’re going to have to fake a smile and suck up to everyone you’re talking to. Be confident and be yourself. Sorority girls can smell a fake from miles away.

So, anyways, rush sucked. Tears were shed, but friends were made! I become good friends with several girls in my rush group. Even if you don’t want to join a sorority, rush because it’s a great way to meet people. If you end up in a house, that’s great! My best friends are all from my sorority!

#SisterhoodoftheTravelingDeltas You’ll also get a big who’s an automatic friend! Yay friends! And you get lots of presents from your big and free food and activities during spoils/silver week/whatever your sorority calls it. (Anything free in college is a plus). Also you get to go to formal (basically prom) and date night! You can be invited if you’re a GDI, but you automatically get to go if you’re affiliated.

This semester was also full of trips to Disneyland. Finally I was one of those cool teenagers I used to see at the park with all my friends #goals. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party is amazing because you get free candy and snacks and there are no lines for the rides! It’s also cheaper than a regular park ticket. Going during November was also fantastic because who doesn’t love seeing Disney decked out for Christmas?

Trips to Los Angeles were spontaneous and fun. Who doesn’t love going to LACMA, Milk, the Grove, and Griffith Observatory? When L.A. seemed too far away (it’s 40 minutes from Pepperdine) there was always the beach, country mart, pier, and the canyon. Of course, in between all of this I was studying, but it was all worth it in the end.

Overall, this semester was a dream come true. I finally got to go to my dream school, live in my favorite city in America, had an ocean view from my dorm room, and became a sorority girl. I also didn’t have to pull any all-nighters and to be honest, found high school finals to be more stressful than my college ones. (Perks of being a PR major). Currently I’m counting down the days until I get to return to Malibu and see some of my favorite people in the world. Hope your college experience is as great as mine has been.

See you soon, 'bu.

Love Always,

Caroline