So as some of you may know, I am finishing up my freshman year here at the University of Kansas. As some of you may also know, I am from Southern California. Now, you may be thinking, "this girl left California for Kansas? Is she crazy?" And the answer is yes, I am a little bit crazy.

When I was making my college decisions I had always known I wanted to go far, but I did not know just how far until I committed. People would always tell me how brave I was for leaving home and going to school without knowing a soul, but isn't that what growing up is all about? Going out of your comfort zones and learning how to be on your own?

I do have to say, my first two months here were SAD. I definitely questioned my decision when I saw all my friends from home going to school together and meeting up at football games, and I just felt so disconnected. Although, after a while, I soon realized I needed to give this school a chance, and that I could not come home without any amazing college stories!

Soon after this realization, I finally gave all KU had to offer a chance and I am so happy that I did. I remember one night some friends and I stayed in and played Cards Against Humanity, ordered a pizza and just talked about life for hours on end. That is really when I started to find my place here and recognize that these people could make Kansas feel like home.

Freshman year is all about finding out who you are, and KU was definitely the best place for me to do that. Being on my own has made into a more grown person, and I definitely have learned so many life lessons I would not have if I was a car ride away from home.

Now in no way am I saying that going to school close to home is bad at all, but for some, they need that extra push to go out and explore all that the world has to offer us! College is a time for new experiences, messing up (a lot), and discovering just how much you rely on of a microwave. But really, if you are at a point in your life where you are ready for a change but afraid to take that leap, do it. Everything will work out!

I like to live my life thinking that we need to live every day to the fullest, and for me that meant packing up my life and moving half way across the country, and man am I happy that I had major guts in high school to make that decision. Here are some pictures from my freshman year at the greatest school on earth!