Long are the days of laying in bed watching the dramatic lives of Hollywood elites crumble while sipping on a $6.00 bottle of wine, if that... Yes, it's almost the start of a new term. However, with the start of a new year comes an array of emotions: anticipation, excitement, curiosity...and hope.

Like many of you reading this, I transferred during the middle of my Junior Year of College from a small university nestled in the city of Morehead, Kentucky (yes, the same place where 1980's fashion icon Kim Davis resides) to a some-what bigger university in Richmond, Kentucky. By doing so, it allowed me to start over from scratch.

You see, I was a Resident Advisor at Morehead State University. My experience allowed me to make amazing networks and eventual friendships with my co-workers, however, I wasn't happy. At the time, I hadn't figured out who I was meant to be or what my purpose was, therefore, it made my job difficult to help those figure themselves out too.

I was rethinking everything, such as my decision to resign as an RA due to a psychotic resident stalking me, switching my major because I wasn't confident in my research, and trying to decide what career path to follow. Lack of direction from various sources of supervision and a university undergoing constant construction, both above and beneath the surface led me to the decision to transfer. In doing so, it was my getaway from the reality I had gotten accustomed to. Unfortunately, in doing so, transferring put me farther from graduation than I had hoped it would.

No, I won't graduate on time as I had planned. Honestly, I doubt many of my former friends even remember me to this day or will come their graduation day. Even when I was present though, I felt like a ghost at my old institution, just trying to get through it all.

But, I do know that my decision to transfer to Eastern Kentucky University has been the greatest decision of my life.

I hadn't been living life to the fullest until I had transferred. So to those doubtful of transferring or rushed with anxiety over the start of this term, I say to you, "screw having those feelings." No matter what, the main purpose of your decision is that you're working toward that degree. Also, during that process, you're also working on yourself. Never forget that.

I'm proud to say that I will be graduating later because by doing so, I took my life back into my own hands. Here at EKU, I've found who I'm supposed to be. My last words to you are put yourself out there. Do whatever you have to do. The only validation you need comes from within. If it takes you longer to complete that degree, do it with integrity. If it takes you transferring to find yourself, do it with confidence.

Most importantly, do it for you.