At the beginning of freshman year, we were all so eager to be in college and to live on our own — even if it was in a tiny little dorm room that we had to share with a stranger. We got here on move-in day, full of energy and ready to take on whatever the year had in store for us. I remember being ecstatic to take on the college experience because I knew it was going to be different than anything I had ever done before. I was so right about that.

A few weeks went by and I knew I loved it. Class work was a lot harder than in high school and I realized that I had to learn how to study. Sadly, I haven't fully mastered the art of studying, but I have still done well and I am proud of myself. I realized that the stranger I was sharing a room with was just like me and that we were going to be inseparable before the year was over. I made friends in my classes and in my dorm. I realized college was a whole new life but I loved it.

I went back and forth over changing my major many, many times. I even changed it at one point, then changed my mind and switched it back. College has made me doubt myself a few times, but in the long run, I realized that I know what career I want to pursue. I want to be a nurse and I am going to do it no matter what it takes. College has made me more strong and independent, and I am so thankful for that.

I had so much fun and made so many new friends. I made friends not only in Morgantown but in Fairmont, too. I love these friends so much and that's why leaving for summer break is so bittersweet. I miss home sometimes. I miss my family, my animals, and my friends from high school. I'm beyond excited to spend three months at home with them after being gone for the entire year, but I also feel sadness in leaving my new friends and my new home.

I never thought I'd say it, but I think I am going to miss the tiny little dorm room that I shared with my very best friend. She was merely a stranger to me before this year. It's been my home. I'm going to miss the late-night talks, movie nights, late-night ice cream runs, and spending all day sitting in our little room that we referred to as a dungeon. I'm going to miss going to Fairmont to watch our friends play baseball and jamming out in the car every time we go somewhere. I'm going to miss dressing up and going downtown. I'll miss making crazy memories that I will be able to tell my kids someday. For the next three months, I won't be with my bestie 24/7 and it's going to make me so sad.

I've complained about my dorm room so many times but I truly am going to miss it and all of the fantastic memories that it has brought me. This year was so full of ups and downs but I wouldn't have wanted to spend my first year of college anywhere else. Morgantown is now my home and I am so thankful that I made the choice to attend school here. I can't wait to see what my next three years have in store for me, but until August, I will be missing this place more than ever.