I still remember the panic and the stress of applying for colleges, taking the ACT, preparing for graduation, and ordering cute dorm room decor. The ideas I thought about college are nothing compared to the real experience. College is a whole new world in so many ways that will open your mind to what is really out there, who you are, and your place in it.

When I got to college, I had many preconceived notions about what everything was going to be like. This included living away from home, going to class, studying, and living the "college life."

Reflecting back on my freshman year, now that it has almost come to an end, I am realizing how much I have grown as a person and how much I have accomplished.

At first, it was easy. Moving into a new room, going through rush, and starting classes seemed like a breeze. I was mentally, emotionally, and physically ready for the moments to come. Little did I know how hard it would be.

Moving away from my parents, as the last bird in the nest, was the first hard thing I went through. I was very blessed to have two parents that I have great relationships with. I love them both to the moon, so moving away from breakfast every morning, good smelling laundry, hugs, talks about life, and dinner with my favorite people was extremely difficult. It is a part of growing up that I had to cope with. Now, I miss my parents, but being involved on campus keeps me busy and not homesick.

Going to school...oh yes...the thing I'm at college for. I went to a great high school that prepared me for college so I was not concerned about being able to handle the work. The hardest part about school for me wasn't the work, but the familiarness. Going to college with new buildings, faces, and teachers, can all be very intimidating.

Once I got over my fear, talked to my professors, and got to work on the books, everything turned out great. One semester and many late nights later, I found my name on the President's List. School is not impossible but it does take work and determination to do your best. Also, the fear of losing a scholarship never fails to motivate me to keep going.

Falling in love with my sorority, was one of the most rewarding things to experience. After an emotional rush week, running home to my dream house was amazing. Once bid day and all the social media craziness calmed down, it was me and my sisters. Being out of state did make it harder to get to know everyone, but making lifetime friends and having a special bond to my sorority is something I am very grateful for.

Getting used to being on my own was tough. Without parents, old high school friends (bye), and familiar people around, the world is your stage. Learning to "adult" has had its challenges and I was surprised at how independent I have become over the course of the year. The opportunity of being on my own at college has given me a fresh start to be the independent young woman I am and to learn more about myself and what impact I want to make on the world.

Learning to balance having fun and studying. When I first got to college all the events starting happening and although they were fun, I personally never had a problem balancing getting work done and going out. Even though it did not happen to me, many of my peers failed a test or found the habit of skipping class. Let me tell you now. This. Does. Not. Work. No party, hang out, or get-together is worth failing that test or skipping that class. Setting yourself up for success while classes are easier is the best thing you can do.

Getting involved on campus was something I always looked forward to doing. Joining several organizations that help the community or greater good, volunteering locally, and joining several clubs, groups, or communities are some of the ways that I found to get plugged in. Getting plugged in freshman year is vital to your success as a student. Sitting in your dorm room and not meeting new people is the quickest way to find yourself in depression or homesick. I personally have loved every organization I am apart of and in the future plan to accept invitations to several honor societies on campus.

The saying "living your best life" isn't always the easiest thing to follow. To me, living MY best life means doing my best to give 110% to everything that I do as well as keeping a smile on my face while doing it. College is very challenging, but if you have the motivation, determination, and humility to ask for help and find it, it will be the best experience of your life.

By sharing my experiences and lessons in my reflection, I hope you can relate to something and push yourself to be the best possible version of yourself.

I heard this at my high school graduation, but "remember what Dr. Seuss said, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!'"