We give people a lot of power. A lot of times we, myself especially, give people the power to make us sad. My mom used to tell me that people can't make you upset unless you give them that power. As a younger version of myself I was very adamant about my disagreement to these responses. But upon growing up and receiving a better understanding of the world and of myself, I realized that she was right.

Of course, snapping right out of our sadness or unhappiness is never an easy feat, I find solace in the realization that I can. The trick is realizing your worth. Now in some cases it's necessary to grieve and wallow and it may be difficult to get out of a rut; you have to realize that no one else can make you feel any type of way.

I wanted to preface this before I get into the actual reason I decided to write this article.

I definitely struggle with letting other people affect me. On a different note...

I love people. Don't get me wrong, I am human, and I get annoyed sometimes. But people are just so incredibly amazing. I don't know how to convey how filled with joy I am. I have met so many wonderful individuals in my life. Individuals who despite the amount of negatives they have encountered are still genuine and lovely. Sometimes I just think about how incredible our capacity for love is.

Being back at school, while stressful (because class and homework and trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life), has made me feel so much better about life because I am surrounded by SO MANY wonderful souls. On the first day of school, I don't think I have ever smiled so much. All of my favorite people are in the same place. I live feet away from people who are constantly motivating and encouraging me. I'm overwhelmed by how much I have grown to love my school and these people. I'm physically drained from the amount times that I've wanted to go and talk and spend time with people.

I'm so thankful. I'm so thankful for my friends who have become family, and sorority sisters who have become real sisters, and classmates who became best friends. I'm so thankful for this home that I've created for myself and for this home that I was so against last year and I'm so thankful for the people who love me and care and make sure I'm okay even if I shut them down by saying everything is fine. I don't think I will ever be well equipped enough to articulate how much you all mean to me. Thank you for showing me what love is and what I should look for and what I deserve.

I am so honored to mean anything let alone so much to you all.