At this time last year, I was saying uncertain goodbyes to the familiar faces of home. I was about to embark on my biggest journey yet…my freshman year of college. As anxiety stirred in my brain throughout the weeks leading up to move-in, I was soaking in every last second of familiarity. It all ended much too quickly and before I knew it, I was on the car ride to campus. Little did I know that my life was about to change dramatically and the next few months would be some of the greatest, yet most terrifying months of my life. I was about to learn numerous invaluable lessons about myself and grow more than I ever have before.

In 1 year I learned how to be strong. I’m going to be completely honest: nobody can really prepare you enough for the emotional reality of settling into college. When the lows hit, they hit hard but in the end, they made me stronger than I ever thought I could be. Before I knew it, I was finding myself lost and in love with my new life.

In 1 year I felt what the purest form of joy was like. Finding the right people in college comes with irreplaceable memories that will stick with you forever. It could include a delirious dance party at 2 am in your dorm room with your roommate, a deep talk with your soul sister, or a car ride screaming at the top of your lungs to your mutual favorite song with your amazing friends.

In 1 year I fell in and out of love with myself, with other people, and with life. Freshman year came with numerous twists and turns that I couldn’t possibly see coming. Some were emotionally exhausting while others had happy endings. I learned that when my self-esteem was running low or I couldn’t handle what life was throwing at me to take a deep breath and continue. Sometimes that’s all you can do. The rough times may turn into means for a blessing in disguise. You never know what God has up his sleeve for your future. Patience for the good things in life will always lead to greater joy in the end.

In 1 year I learned to stay true to myself. I began to create a life that was for myself and not anyone else. That was my grandest discovery. I learned the hard way to stop trying to please other people, but rather to love them and do your own thing unapologetically. The right people will stick by you because they love you in your most genuine state.

My freshman year and the months that followed have certainly not been picture perfect. I undoubtedly have a ridiculous amount of growth to do. I am grateful to those who have guided me, stood by me, pushed me, taught me, and loved me throughout this year. I wish those entering this exciting phase of life the best of luck. You are about to grow within yourself and become the person you were created to be. Stay true to who you are and don’t be afraid to take a few leaps of faith every once and a while. You never know what incredible experiences could lie ahead of you.