I walked into my first day of college nervous, excited and overwhelmed all at once. The thought that I would be at this place for four years and never return to my small-town high school intimidated me. This is my new home. I did not know what to think. I did not know how to feel. I wanted to get back on the train and head home because I was scared that my life would be changing drastically.

In high school, people did not know of my existence and I did not know at the time if I wanted to carry this into my college career. I was a little freshman in one of the greatest cities on Earth. I was afraid of this big step I was taking.

Little did I know that this was a big step into a world of people that would inspire me to take even bigger leaps into my future, that would make me fearless and brave and would pass their courageous spirit onto me.

It started at the Club Fair when I saw the passion in everyone's eyes talking about what they were doing and what they were involved in. Clubs? Never in a million years would I have thought about joining a school organization. It was just something about these people I met that made me want to change myself and no longer be that person that was overshadowed in high school. I wanted this passion and voice that these people had and I ironically found this voice by becoming involved in student club life.

Every time I sit in a club meeting, I sit to myself and smile because I finally have somewhere I belong and will encourage my growth. I am honored to sit at the same table with innovators and thinkers who were given their voice the same way I was given mine. You can see how much they love what they're doing and it is truly inspiring.

There are no words to explain the amazing people I have met and opportunities I've been given because of the decision I made to become an active student on campus. I was finally given a voice that no one could take from me or be easily silenced. I am no longer the girl to hide in the back of the room, scared of change.

Thank you to everyone I've met through club life for teaching me how to love myself.