Dear freshman year of college,

I started the long and awful process of packing up my dorm room today, even though I still have finals to go through. You would be surprised at how much stuff can fit in one tiny half of a dorm room. I started to take down my pictures on my wall and of course, got distracted by them. They were pictures of my life before college, and I couldn't help but think how much you have changed the girl in those pictures, but changed for the better.

From you, I have learned many things about myself, and just about life in general. I learned that I need alone time more than I thought I did. I learned that I don't have to apologize for who I am or how I feel. I learned that not everyone has to be your best friend, and that's okay. I learned that it's okay to treat yourself because you deserve it. I still have a lot to learn in life, so I would love it if you told your friend, sophomore year of college that some great lessons would be appreciated.

You gave me some amazing opportunities that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. I have taken a part in things that are solely because I came to college, and I have great opportunities already lined up for next year. All of these wouldn't have been possible if you weren't so great to me.

I think most important of all, you gave me some of the greatest friends I have ever had. The people you threw in my way ended up turning into friendships that I know will last for a long time. I think when I look back on you, I will remember the late nights and endless laughter I had with my friends.

Though you gave me a few rough patches to go through, you were too good to me, freshman year of college. Thank you for an unforgettable year. Tell sophomore year to bring it on.