Freshman year has been the best year of my life by far. I’ve met new people, welcomed new experiences and discovered parts of myself I didn’t even know existed. I’m doing really well, and I think that shows on the outside. I’ve gotten more compliments this year than any other year of my life. Looking back and reflecting on everything I’ve done this year has been an education. I’ve surely messed up in quite a few spots, but I wouldn’t change anything because I learned. I’ve learned how to take credit for the great things I do, but also the bad things I do. I’ve learned how to meet people and make new friends in an environment that intimidates me. But most importantly, I’ve learned what I’m capable of, and it’s a lot more than I originally thought.

As I pack up my things and look around my room, it’s weird to think that I’m not the same person I was when I walked in here on move-in day almost nine months ago. I don’t know what I expected from this year, but I feel like I accomplished my number one goal: to have fun. I’ve managed to have the time of my life while still getting an education and maintaining decent grades. I’ve stayed out too late and woken up the next day to go to class. I’ve also had to skip class a few times. I’ve had to deal with a terrible roommate, but also had the pleasure of a fantastic roommate. This year has definitely been a learning curve, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Packing up to go home for the summer is very bittersweet. Being this close to the beach definitely has its perks, and I’m going to miss my friends and my sisters over the summer. But I’m excited to spend time with my family. I’ve missed them a lot, and getting to spend an extended length of time with them has me very excited. I’m also ready for a full size bed again; this dorm bed just doesn’t do it for me.

So, thank you to everyone who has helped make freshman year a success. There are so many people who helped me along the way this year, and I couldn’t have done it without any of them. But I also want to thank myself. Not only for a great year, but for allowing myself to step outside of my comfort zone even though I was scared and had no idea how it was going to go. Here’s to a year of many firsts, many successes and many mistakes. I can’t wait to do it all over again next year.