Wow. What a couple months it has been. It feels like just yesterday, I was moving into my dorm room eager to start Band Camp and Sorority Recruitment Week. And now, here I am, studying for my finals and missing football already. I can definitely say this is the busiest and most stressful part of my life that I have experienced so far, but I would never change it, even if I could. Here are some things I learned from my first semester of college:

1. How much food really costs (oh, and how much food I actually eat)

Although I haven't been doomed with the stereotypical "Freshman 15" yet, I do eat a lot more than I did when I lived at home (or it atlas feels that way). Also, I have now learned how to go to the grocery store alone. Having to spend your own money on groceries rather than just having your mom buy them when your home definitely teaches you how to correctly budget and decide what is a want and what is a need, haha!

2. How Hard It Really Is To Study For A Final

Studying for a final in college is way different than studying in high school. Unlike high school, there are not as many study guides so in someways, it feels like your going into the exam blind, but that is why you just study everything you've ever learned honestly (Because that can't take too long right...)

3. How Glad I Am To Have Gone To An Out Of State College

Of course it was not easiest to leave all of my high school friends back in Georgia to come start my college journey some where else with complete strangers, but I am so happy I got the opportunity to in a way "start over"! I have already met some of my best friends both in marching band and my sorority, Delta Zeta, and I know if I would not have made the decision to come to Auburn, I would not be as happy as I am today!

4. How Hard It Is To Be Away From Home

I was totally that person in high school who was always just ready to leave and go off to college, but now that I have, it is way more difficult to be away from my fun, crazy, and loving family! However, every time I go home, I cherish it so much more and family time is way more important to me than it used to be!

5. How Much I Love My University

I am so lucky to have found my place in Auburn. I have gotten involved in so many different ways and still found ways to continue to participate in my passions! I love everyone at Auburn's love for Auburn and of course, Auburn football! Auburn is for sure the school for me and I am so blessed to have found it! I can't wait to continue my journey for the next couple years and prepare for my future!