They say the first semester of college is one of the most difficult experiences of your life.. those who told me that were not wrong. Even though it was one of the most difficult time periods, it was also the best thing that ever happened to me.

Dear first semester,

Let me tell ya, you did not give my friends and I a break, it was one thing after another but I guess that was all for a reason and it made us all stronger so thank you.

It all started on move-in day, I moved into my forced triple at the time being very scared and anxious and every emotion you could feel, you feel all at once on move in day. Your family leaves you all alone at a place you don't know and you live with people you do not know. That would scare anyone. Then you go through the phase of orientations and getting freshman adapted to college programs and the phase where you think you have no friends.

To the girl I met in the bathroom the 3rd day of school,

You know who you are and I am a better person because I said hi to you that very hot day. Because I did this, many more friendships formed and I found a group that I loved more than anything. The girl in the bathroom became my best friend within a couple weeks. Once I found someone that loved Disney as much as I did, I knew it was a perfect match.

One thing about this group of people is that they never wanted you to be alone especially when you were going through a hard time, you always had someone around. And coming into college already kind of knowing someone was a blessing to me.. you know who you are. I was always able to go to her at my worst and best because she already kind of knew me. Thanks for helping me through this whole process, letting me take my anger out on you, and going with me to the gym to release my anger.

This group of girls got very close very fast, we were crying on each other's shoulders after knowing each other for a week, sharing each other's clothes, being sick and taking care of each other no matter how gross it was, and being the most supportive group ever. I was also given the opportunity to move out of my forced triple in order to have more space. I am thankful to have moved into a room that I get excited going into. After a long day, just going back to the dorm room, I look forward to the laughs I will receive in the study lounge dorm room.

After a month at a college, you'll know if it's a good fit for you or not and I am so lucky to be at a school that is perfect for me and one I hate leaving for breaks. Of course, every college has its downfalls but when you look at the big picture, if everyday you're at your school and you smile, then it's a great school.

Thank you Marist College for allowing me to have an amazing first semester, thank you fate for allowing me to meet the girl in the bathroom and all the friends that came from that friendship. These four months have made me become more mature and I grew so much from my experiences.

I'll see you in a month Marist and can't wait for the next seven semesters we have together.

Sincerely,

Now a second-semester freshman