Dear Freshman Year,

I know how this reflection may seem late with only one month of summer left. I actually wrote a rough draft dedicated to you earlier this month, but I was afraid to publish it. I didn't want to expose something so personal, and I believed the reflection was nothing significant to begin with. I was a scared. Then again, I was terrified last summer when I flew across the country to attend my dream school.

The weeks leading up to Villanova, I feared the unknown. In a graduating class of about 650 students, I was one of the few leaving the state of California. I didn't want to admit it, but I was scared of leaving home. Part of me was ready to return to my east coast roots, but there was another part who worried if they made the correct decision.

Eventually, I learned that a lot of time was wasted on stressing over the worse case scenario. I never thought I would find so many genuine people packed into one place. I found my people from all over the place: my orientation group, the bookstore, my classes, and of course, Saint Monica Hall. Our school definitely emphasizes community values, but Villanova is exactly like a second home for everyone; regardless if you are from a few minute or a few thousand miles away.

I found my support system at Villanova, and I found another family through Villanova athletics. I did not plan on joining Women's Rowing when I arrived in August, but I am so happy I did. I get to represent my school as an athlete and learn a brand new sport with some of the most determined and fearless women that I have ever met.

The late-night Campco runs with friends and Villanova basketball games are just a few of the highlights. What I enjoyed most about freshman year is I no longer see myself as the shy and scared girl from California. I thank my first year at Villanova for teaching me how to be brave. I learned (and am still learning) how to take risks and try new things. I'm becoming more comfortable with being the initiator of conversation. Lastly, I am starting to become more comfortable with unpredictability.

I feel like I cannot capture all my gratitude for you into one article, but I am no longer afraid to try.

Thank you,

Victoria