A year ago today, I was somewhere in New Brunswick at a mock trial competition. We absolutely dominated that day and I'll never forget the emotional high of being surrounded by my team while feeling completely happy. Looking past that glorious win, though, a year ago I was also finishing the last few months of my senior year. While there were definitely times of happiness, it also happened to be one of the most stressful periods of my life, so far.

Between stressing over whether or not I'd be accepted to my choice of colleges and the mounting pile of work that seemed to be building up, I was drowning. I found it difficult to stay organized when it appeared as though so many events were taking place at once. Thankfully, the sun began to peak through the clouds as Spring came, bringing along many positive aspects. I finally decided to go to my dream school where I can honestly say I am the happiest I have ever been.

Coming to GW has changed my life in so many ways and it has only been a few months. I've managed to surround myself with people who genuinely make me happy which pushed away one of my biggest fears about coming to college.

I was always worried that making new friends would be difficult, but through my roommates, and now joining a sorority, I'm the most social I've ever been. Additionally, living away from home in D.C. has taught me so many important things, the biggest one being the value of time management.

Most of my stress in high school could be contributed to my inclination to procrastinate everything. After coming to GW, I started to organize my work and became more responsible for myself, especially in regards to school. While I still procrastinate and honestly who doesn't, I do so less often than I had before. Being on my own has allowed me to grow both personally and emotionally.

A year ago today, I would describe myself as an unorganized mess. A year later, though, I am living my life to the fullest and enjoying most of the moments that come along. This is, of course, an exception of finals week because I find it difficult to stay happy while having multiple papers due. I can only hope that I continue to grow so that next year I can look back at myself and see the progress I have made.