When I was younger, I never thought that the time would come when I would go away to college and become truly independent. I thought that I was going to wind up staying in New Jersey, where I would study at a local university, and live life within the safe boundaries of my childhood. I can now proudly say that I have had the chance to explore a completely different world through my college experience thus far, and I wouldn't have it any other way. College has truly helped me grow into a different person in four distinct ways.

1. I learned a lot about myself.

When I first began college, I thought that I knew who I was. I thought that the person I was in high school was the person I would be in college. I chuckle every time I think back to the mindset I once had.

Little did I know that my first year of college would change me dramatically. I would also soon realize that I had a lot to learn about myself. When you are plopped into a new environment with no familiar faces, you quickly realize that you have to start from scratch and find who you really are. This process is still happening for me, and I don't think it will end any time soon.

2. I became more open-minded.

While coming from Central Jersey to Monroe, Louisiana wasn't a culture shock for me, there were many differences that expanded my mind. In Louisiana, there is more of a focus on family and most people tend to stick around the area they grew up in. People in Louisiana also tend to be more Republican and Conservation, so the mindset is quite different. Even though I may not agree with a lot of what people here say, it's still important for me to surround myself with people who think differently than I do, if not only to understand why people think the way they do.

3. I became more appreciative and empathetic.

When I came to Louisiana for college, I was given the ultimate freedom. Being over a thousand miles away from any family or friends, I was able to discover what is truly important to me. Not only do I appreciate family more, but I also now realize how important it is for me to be considerate of others and emphasize with people as much as possible. You never know when someone is having a bad day, so it's best to be kind to people and help them along with their day.

4. I learned to reach out to others for help.

Before I went away for college, I relied solely on myself for encouragement and assurance, but when I went away to college, that changed. I no longer felt like I had to rely on myself for all of my needs. I learned to reach out to my friends and family for support even though I sometimes felt embarrassed for doing so. It's hard to admit that you need somebody else's help, but in the end it is worth it.

I have grown so much since the beginning of my college experience and I can't wait to see how much different I am at the end of it. Life is a very strange journey--one that I am very grateful to experience. One day, I hope to look back on this portion of my life with pleasure and satisfaction, knowing that I made many fond memories.