It's that time of year again. Back to school shopping, packing up all your things, and heading out the door to a new experience. A new life, really. You hear so many things about college. The friends, the parties, learning new things, but for people like me, school has been miserable your whole life. Naturally, I don't look forward to going to school again; however, this year is different.

As sad as I am to be leaving home, my family, and my boyfriend (I am a super huge homebody), I am actually really excited to see what this year has in store.

Last year was okay, but I was in a dorm and I didn't particularly care for it. There are so many rules and the rooms are so tiny. No being noisy after 11 pm (which didn't stop some people). Not to mention college food makes my stomach churn. Don't get me wrong, I met some amazing people and my roommate was a sweetheart, but it just wasn't for me.

This year, I am living in an apartment off campus, and I have to do adult things! I'll have bills, I'll have to cook my own meals, and I will have to actually take care of a "house." While there are still some rules since I'm renting, there is so much more freedom (plus I'm 21 now so wine!).

I am also starting a new program this year. I have struggled in the past with figuring out what I wanted to do. I have an Associates Degree in Business Administration and I hated every second of it. Last semester I was in the English program and it was closer to what I wanted, but involved more reading than anything, and ended up hating that too. Now, I am starting the Professional Writing program and I can't wait to see what new things I can learn, and what kind of opportunities it will bring.

As you are sitting here reading this, you may ask yourself, "why do I care about how many times you changed your mind before you settled on something?" Well, it's the bigger picture. College is about figuring out what you like and dislike. It's about making friends and trying new things. It's about learning to be independent. No matter who you are, whether you hate school or you could be a career college student and never think twice, college has something for you. It's exciting to think of all the things you can do and see.

This year, I am excited to go back to college. I am excited to see what new things I will learn and what new experiences I will have. For the first time in my life, I am excited about school. Go figure. Sometimes school is full of meltdowns and stress. This year will be great!