My first semester freshman year of University life was, fun! It was all fun and games, with the occasional school work and often feeling of an elephant sitting on my chest. For my first semester, my life looked like this:

Eighteen credits (freshman usually take between 14-16), working two part-time jobs, sorority, trying to work out and stay healthy, ingulf myself with new friends, the true "college experience," etc.

I was not doing well, and honestly, it showed in my grades, my body, and my mental health.

But guess who decided to... get her sh*t together?!?

Cheesy, but on New Year's eve I told myself that I would be better and be me. That was my goal. And here's a little update on how I got my sh*t together and how I feel now.

I now have one job that I work with time I have around my school schedule. My bosses are amazing and understand (as well as reiterate to me constantly) that my schoolwork must and will come first. On that note, I made a promise to myself to make Deans List this semester, so far I am kicking a** and taking names in my classes, even decided on a double major and minor (global studies and religious studies, minoring in mass communication.) I am careful to plan out my homework so procrastination and cramming isn't an issue, granted I am in college and a few late nights do take place in the library, but not to the point where I feel exhausted or don't sleep.

I am now able to start working out almost routinely. I have a new and current obsession with The Madison Tempe, an amazing place I now go to cycle and they kick my butt with the best workouts I've ever had. I am now there multiple times a week, I MAKE time for it because it is something that makes me feel happy and it works out my body. I feel stronger and more body positive this semester as a whole. I cut out soda and unnecessary things that I knew were not doing any good to fuel me the proper way. I do not, not let myself have something like fried chicken if I want it, but I am more contentious of what I am putting into my body on a day to day basis.

I am attempting to spend less time on technology and more time with myself. Now instead of watching Netflix on my laptop to fall asleep, I have tried to start reading things to naturally wind down my brain and relax. I still go home to see my family but now it's even more enjoyable and it's more of a want than it is a need. I know it seems weird to most college students to go home to see family often but it is one of the big reasons I wanted to stay closer to home.

It seems crazy to me that just a few months ago my life seemed out of control, and I am thankful for the fact that I now have time to actually do the things I want, I am confident in my schoolwork, and I am actually happy (obviously this is not a perfect world and I am not happy 24/7 but as a general rule.)