I just completed my very first semester of college at the College of Charleston; I loved it. I love the campus, all the people I have met, and the freedom I have recently gained. It's fair to say that any college student is going to achieve independence when he or she goes to college, but it's a little different when college is 9 hours away instead of just 1.

My mom and aunt helped me move into my dorm and stayed for a couple of days to explore the new city that I now call home. Saying goodbye to them was hard, but I quickly adjusted to my new life. Since that goodbye, Charleston has been nothing but happy and full of opportunities. I frequently explore the city and always find a new thing to love about it. I have even landed an internship with a company that I like.

I grew up with four siblings, two sisters and two brothers. I always had to share my room, my clothes, and most of my things with my sisters. I was used to sharing everything which makes sharing a room with my roommate no problem, but there are so many things that I no longer are sharing. College has brought me freedom in that way, but it also brings the freedom of making your schedule and always being on your own time. I had a good amount of freedom at home, but I always had to be home for dinner. Now I don't have that restriction anymore.

I have always been a pretty independent person, but college has grown my independence. You end up having a lot of free time in your schedule; it's up to you with what you do with this time. A lot of this time should be spent in the library, but you'll still be left with time you sometimes don't know what to do with.

Unlike in-state students, I can't go home just for a weekend. I only go home for the holidays when we have breaks from school. I am honestly fine with this; it makes your appreciation for your family grow since your time together is very limited. The only example of when the distance between me and home became a problem was during the first hurricane we got. The students were forced to evacuate and getting home became a little bit of a struggle. My parents and I considered my options, and I ended up taking an 11-hour train ride to get home. The whole situation was stressful, and the train ride was anything but fun. This is only one example (and the only example) or when the distance was problematic.

Whenever I am home, my family always asks me if I get homesick at school and the answer is no. I constantly text my family, so we stay updated on each other's lives. I love Charleston and would love to live there after I graduate. Being home for Christmas break for about a month has made me miss Charleston, and I'm very excited to go back.

I am 100% positive that the College of Charleston was the right choice and it is exactly where I belong. I'm truly on my down there, and I have grown so much because of that.