Dear Freshman Year,
Going away to college was something I didn’t think would be easy—at all. I am an incredibly homesick girl who loves her family and hometown friends more than anything. I am the girl that stays home to hang out with her mom instead of going out to her town’s big party after the football game. I didn’t think college would be something I would seamlessly adjust to, but to my surprise, it was.
On move-in day, I said goodbye to my parents without a care in the world that I wouldn’t see them again for another two and a half months. I hugged and kissed them, and skipped off to my orientation event for the day. My parents stood back, teary-eyed, watching me walk away as I was ready to take on the world.
That night, I ended up meeting some of my best friends—on the first night of college! Can you believe that? I’m still friends with everyone that sat at that table. That’s the last thing I expected; before I left, I was so nervous I wouldn’t make friends easily because I’m not too great at the “small-talk” stage that happens before you start having real conversation. You know, that awkward transition phase between “that girl I met a few times” and “friend.” Yeah, that phase was completely skipped all together, and I learned that all of those girls lived a few doors down from me. I would see them everyday, and our friendships came so naturally. Who would have thought that would happen to me?
After I’d made some friends, I wanted to join a club and get involved. To my surprise, I found a mock trial team at my school, and now I’m Vice President of the team, effective next semester. Taking on leadership roles is something I’ve always been nervous to do, but look at me now: I’m doing it!
On top of that, I was fortunate enough to have joined an amazing sisterhood in my sorority and gained life-long friends. I met girls that I know will be my future bridesmaids, and it all seemed like it just fit together. Nothing was forced or faked; it was 100% natural.
And just when I thought freshman year couldn’t get any better, I got a job that I had wanted since the beginning of the year. I was up against lot of qualified applicants and I still got an interview and, ultimately, the position. Let me tell ya, I did scream of excitement when I received the email saying I got the job.
It seemed like this year everything came together for me. I developed into a confident, social, mature woman that I wasn’t expecting to see until my college graduation. Everything fell right into place for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. Although there were some moments of weakness, crying, breakdowns, and anger, the majority of the year was amazing. I choose to dwell on the positivity instead of the negativity because, well, I did jump over some major personal hurdles, and I’m really proud of myself for that.
All I have to say, freshman year, is that if this is a reflection of the next three years coming up, then bring it on.
Taylor
