As I once again reluctantly begin the two-week treacherous journey of what is college finals, it's starting to hit me that this spring marks the half-way completion point of my college experience at Vanderbilt. In August of 2014, when I first arrived in Nashville, I didn't know anything about what I was getting myself into. I arrived at Vanderbilt ready to take on new experiences and meet new people, as I was more than ready to leave home. While, yes ,I'm an adventurous person and the transition to college from high school and living at home was generally pretty easy for me, it's safe to say that the girl walking away from campus this spring is not who I was when pulling up to my freshman dorm almost two years ago.

I will be leaving campus this spring and not returning until November, as I will be studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, starting early July. Although I've heard the greatest things about the city and have been told that your study abroad experience is one of the best experiences you will have in your life, I have mixed feelings about the atypical year ahead, as it will be drastically different than my freshman and sophomore years here at Vanderbilt. I won't see many friends I've made here for over five months to a year. I'll be taking classes at one of the most beautiful universities in the world and embracing and learning about a new city.

As I mentioned before, I believe I have changed a lot since first arriving on campus. Everyone says that college is the best four years of your life, and it terrifies me that I've already almost completed two of those years. In these two years, I've made friendships unlike those I've had in the past. I have met so many amazing people on this campus, many who are similar to me and many who are opposite. I continue to meet new people everyday while walking to class, eating lunch or studying at the library. I admire my friends and how they're able to take on so much while doing well in school –– taking time to participate in activities they enjoy, applying to jobs and volunteering. They inspire me, encourage me and motivate me to be a better version of myself. I've learned that unexpected friendships can be extremely meaningful and that people who tear you down and hurt you don't matter at all in the big picture. I've realized that most of the foods, TV shows, songs, movies or restaurants I "don't like," are the ones I haven't tried or given a chance.

I've learned the importance and power of opinion and why we shouldn't be afraid to share our perspectives and beliefs, even when many surrounding you don't and won't agree. Everyone has a voice, and it's our responsibility to use it.

Since middle school, I have spent way too much time worrying about my grades in school. A bad test score certainly isn't going to ruin your life, and in the real world, what's most important is your ability to communicate, creatively think and get along with others. School is important, and a good education is a privilege, but you will be unhappy if you let it dictate your life.

We need to take advantage of the opportunities we are given. Whether that be attending a speaker, going to a free concert, picking your courses, voting or studying abroad, we can't take any of these opportunities for granted. I've become much more interested in current events and learning about the world outside of the familiar Vanderbilt bubble.

The list goes on. Since coming to college, I have learned so much about myself. I've become much more independent and appreciative of little things and acts of kindness. How I approach problems and situations is now much more assertive and confident. Although cliche, I see life as more of an opportunity than I did before. College gives you the chance to learn more about yourself, meet new people, branch out, leave your comfort zone, find interest in topics you never would've expected before, just to name a few. I can't wait for what's to come, and I'm grateful for the past two years. Thanks to everyone who has been a part of it.