When I first visited Campbellsville, I wasn't sure what to think or feel. I was happy but also slightly nervous. Was this really where I wanted to be at the next four or more years while getting my education? Could this place really become my home away from home?

As soon as I got out and stepped foot onto campus, all the nervousness went away. I was calm and at peace. There was some sort of comfort about this place. Without a second thought, I knew I was home. I toured the campus and stayed overnight and it all seemed to fit together for me. Campbellsville was perfect.

Within my first year, I explored all that I could of this place. Walking around and learning the campus so I knew it like I knew the back of hand. I walked down to the CVS store or to McDonald's. I would walk to churches before I found my 'forever church home'. I walk around downtown Campbellsville on a really awful date. After months of seeing the Instagram photos and hearing the masses talk the wonderous beauty of the lake, I finally got to visit it in the spring at night time, making smores and roasting hot dogs with my friends. If you think it's beautiful during the daytime, then you clearly need to make another visit when the sun starts to set and the weather is just a slight bit warmer but not intensely hot but cool enough to enjoy for a few hours.

Sophomore year, I put ALL my focus into my newfound second-but-not-yet declared major of criminal justice but there was something else that was nagging at me. I wasn't as on fire nor as passionate as I had been freshmen year. I found myself constantly tired and every weekend, I was going home and even though I was somewhat excited to be back and see friends once I got back, there was no denying that there was a void that naps nor iced coffee could not fix. I would pray and beg the Lord to help answer my trouble to see why I had this void and what could I do to fix it. More often than naught, my prayers were not being answered. Months of this agony went on. I went on my second mission trip to Louisana and while serving/praying/witnessing to others, the void seemed to drag on more there than it did before I left. January. February. March. still nothing. Finally, come April, I realized that I needed a break from college. I needed out the town and the environment that I so desperately loved and had grown fond of. I denied this repeatedly at first but once I got home that weekend, it was clear. I broke down while talking to my mom and instead of saying "No" or going on some rant and telling that I had "stay and tough it out", she gave me a hug and said she understood and agreed that it would be for the best. That taking some time off would help me get my anxiety and depression in a much better place with the break off and she didn't care if I took a semester off or a whole year off -- she had my back and gave me her full support and even though she loved Campbellsville nearly as much as I did, she understood my struggle.

After taking the year and taking care of her when her Alzheimer's started to progress, I came to the realization that I wanted to go back to college. Finish my education. Get my degree. Find a career. Continue exploring and discovering who I am. I was ready to get back in and conquer my classes and not only prove to others that I can AND will do it, but prove to myself that I can handle anything that life tosses at me and handle it like a total boss. The mantra that "No one is the boss of me. No one is in control of me, my life, my goals. I am my own boss. I am in control of my life, my goals and myself." are what I tell myself every morning that alarm goes off for my 9a.m. classes every day. Some days I need an iced coffee pick me from Starbucks while other days it may be a light workout while exploring campus and parts of my favorite city.

Campbellsville, you'll ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart no matter where I go or how far I travel. You will forever be my sweet home away from where. The place where I discovered who I was and who I wanted to become. Where I decided on what I wanted to do with my future. The place that opened so many new doors for me. Where I met some of my favorite people and made some amazing friendships. Where I discovered that nothing brings you and others together more than a five a.m. tornado warning or when you get locked out of your room and ended up going to your neighbors and bonding with them while waiting for your room to be unlocked. To trying new things and going to new places.

Campbellsville, you are my place and I'm forever thankful for that.

Love you always,

Savannah