Somewhere between the sleepless nights and the endless amounts of laughter, I found myself.

Not to sound cliche, but I really did. Freshman year was like an open door for me and what I always needed.

Growing up, I never had too many friends. I had a small friend group, and I was not very social. Not that I never wanted to be, but because I was never 'cool' enough in high school. I hate that this age has come to being as petty as that, but it has.

My first week of college, I made more friends than I EVER had at one time growing up. And the best part? A year later they are STILL in my life.

College was a place where I wanted a fresh start. Something fun, serious, and beneficial all at the same time. After sorority Bid Day, my whole life changed.

Maybe it was the 4 a.m. dinners at Waffle House down the street, the tailgates at the football games, the midnight trips up the mountain with friends, the joining of club after club, the falling in love with a total stranger, the hammocking on the quad, or the spirit nights at Momma G's that really did me in. Or maybe it was all of it.

It was the experience, and everything that college had to offer. I think that people take their freshman year as a gimme year to see where they want to go in life or what they want to do. For me, I was serious from the get-go.

Time flew so so fast. I remember moving into my way-too-small-for-two-people bedroom like it was just yesterday. I remember waking up every morning to the smell of oranges as the housekeepers cleaned the community bathrooms. I remember not having a curfew for the first time in my life and taking way too much advantage of it. I remember standing in line for Midnight Breakfast in the Caf for an hour during finals week both semesters.

I remember it like I've been living it for years, and it's only been one.

How do you pack so many memories into one school year? I don't think anyone will ever know, but we did it. We got through it. I faced many challenges this past year, but with the help of my amazing friends, family, and even teachers, I found myself and I found happiness.

If you're doubting college, don't. Go and make your mark on this world. Go find a campus that helps you shine bright. Going to college was the best decision I have ever made.

So here's to my freshman year. I can't wait to see what the future brings.