Like many incoming college freshman I was filled with questions and worries about what was going to happen in the upcoming months. I was worried about silly things like how was using a community bathroom going to work, to very serious things like how was I going to make new friends and start networking all over again. Overall, I am very proud of myself and was able to overcome these obstacles along with several others.

Freshman year has been nothing but a rollercoaster ride, but I wouldn't share this experience at all. One second I felt like I was on top of the world having the time of my life, and then the next I realize how much work had to done by the end of the week. There were many times in which I did not think I was going to be able to make it through these two very long semesters.

A huge aspect of my freshman year was my friend group. Fortunately enough for me I was able to make a pretty large group of friends in the beginning and we are still all so close now. We have done and gone through so many things in such a short amount of time. These people that I call friends are actually more like family than anything. I can only imagine what we will be doing in the next few years.

Another factor that really made my freshman year such a memorable time was due to all of the different groups and organizations that I was able to be a part of. Luckily, I was able to join groups like the Student Activities Board, Residents Hall Association, Pre-Professionals Club, and the Hands Helping Paws Club. I was able to meet a whole group of very nice people who had the same interests as I did.

I learned very quickly that college was all about being able to get out of your dorm room and socialize. Without meeting new people and making new connections I could only imagine how difficult college could be. Not only was I able to find people to spend time with, but also many of these people gave me wonderful advice and were able to help me in my classes as well.

Throughout the year there were so many things that I never thought I would ever get the chance to do. From slip and slide kickball to swimming through a waterfall there were so many different experiences that just added to the craziness and eventfulness freshman year brought. I also learned it is very important to find things to do both on and off campus to make sure you do not get bored. Of course maintaining your grades is important, but also being able to enjoy yourself is even more important. As long as you can balance both aspects, your time in college with be amazing.

As I say farewell to freshman year I will never say goodbye to the memories and friends I have made along the way. I can only imagine what will happen my sophomore year.