One of the things that I have learned most from coming to college is that there are always opportunities to try something new. I am the oldest of ten children, who have been home-schooled all their lives so it was a HUGE change for me when I started coming to Truett-McConnell University. I had moved away from my home, I was meeting all new people, and it was my first time in a real classroom, with REAL professors (no offense, Mama)!

Needless to say, I was bouncing off the walls! I was making friends left and right, I joined the lacrosse team (I'm still not sure what all the rules are), going to all the socials, and honestly just having a blast! At one of the socials during orientation week I met one of my best friends. We met playing the greatest ice breaker known to man, corn hole. We ended up talking most of the night and we became fast friends. He was my go-to, my A1. We were inseparable. But as everyone knows, all good things must come to an end and after about two and a half months our friendship was gone.

As the semester went on, there have been many more friends that have come and gone. Some weren't even really friends to begin with. There are so many people that I am friends with but it is so hard to find friends that can be your true squad. But I've learned that that's okay. It takes time. Everything takes time. And I'm young! I've got nothing but time. Even though it might get lonely sometimes, I know I'm never really alone. I have my sister-from-another-mister, Lauren. I always have my family. And I will never lose my Lord, Jesus Christ. And I know that He is always with me, even now because He is giving me the strength to stay awake and study for all these finals and get all this last minute homework done.

This semester has flown by! Now I know how my Mama feels when she says "You were just a baby yesterday!". From the new experiences to all the homework to the Saturday night football games (Go Dawgs!), I feel like I just moved in last week. Now the semester is coming to a close and we have Christmas right around the corner! This semester has taught me a lot. Everything from friendships to classes to even my walk with the Lord have made me who I am today. These next three and a half years I will continue to learn more and grow as an individual. I am a God-fearing, boisterous, outgoing, loving, caring, bossy, loud, emotional, 19 year old (until next week) girl, who has four younger sisters, five younger brothers, one pretty cool Dad, and an amazing Mama. I am so blessed with what the Lord has given me and is continuing to give me. With each new opportunity I hope to use it to grow myself and shine the love of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.