As the first semester of my freshmen year wraps up I can honestly say I learned more about myself as a person more than any year before.

Here's a letter to my first semester of college.

When my parents dropped me off at school back in August I stood in this freshly decorated dorm room and was scared out of my mind, I had no idea what you, first semester, was about to offer me. I had no idea what to do. Before my dad left, and as he hugged me, he looked at me and said: "Who you were up until this point is who you had to be, who you are from here on out is who you want to be." I took this piece of advice and off I went. I was ready to be who I had always wanted to be!

Classes started and things were going great, I had met some cool people, I was learning new things and living on your own - HELLO FUN! I was becoming the person I wanted to be slowly but surely.

Then… things took a turn.

I started having problems with someone in my life, names and details are not needed, but I was ready to quit. Things sucked. My parents came up to visit for the first time since dropping me off, and every time they left all I wanted was to go with them. This place was no longer fun and I wanted nothing more than to be home. I had basically thrown in the towel.

But then things started to change.

I got myself out of the environment which was making me feel stressed, I started doing things I loved; hanging out with friends, writing, going out. I was starting to be myself again, I was finally ready to be the person I had wanted to be since August.

You, the first semester took a turn for the better.

To my first semester of college, thank you. Thank you for making me stronger and braver. Thank you for teaching me that sometimes setbacks need to happen in order for things to be figured out. Thank you for teaching me and encouraging me to stand up for myself and what I need. Thank you for showing me that being relaxed and easy going is the best way to go through life. Thank you for believing in me when I failed to believe in myself. Thank you for demonstrating what true friends are, that was a harsh reality. Thank you for teaching me that a phone call home always helps. Most importantly thank you for making me the me I had always wanted to be.

First semester of college, you have been a roller coaster, you have thrown me curve balls I never expected and you have taught me life lessons I will never forget. For these things, I will be forever grateful, but I will also be forever grateful that we never have to meet again.

Adios first semester and hello second semester, I am ready for whatever you got!