During my first semester of college, I experienced more highs and lows than I have ever thought I would experience. While this has definitely put me out of my comfort zone, I have loved every minute of my new experiences and fresh start. Here are some of the most important things I have learned in my first semester as a college student that I need to reflect on.

First of all, if the food is not rated in one of those "Colleges With The Best Food" articles, it's probably sh*t. I'm not kidding. Most days my roommate and I end up just eating potatoes because all the rest of the food looks so unappetizing or is put away for some reason beyond us. We avoid the dining hall as much as possible.

Second, the workload is nothing of what I expected. It always seemed like a happy medium, which is not what I expected college work to feel like. I expected it to be more like this:

When it was more like this:

Third, I did not expect to miss my parents as much as I do when I am away from them. I truly appreciate them for letting me pack my bags and move states away from them to further my education and pursue my passion for helping others. It really means the world to me and I miss you both everyday when I'm not with you. Thank you mom and dad.

Fourth, if you didn't like something before you went to college, chances are you will not like it when you arrive. I was never the type of person to enjoy parties in high school, so I could not explain why I thought I would magically like them when I stepped on campus. Also, every school is a party school. There is no running away from it.

Fifth, I was able to find out how to do things on my own. From doing my own laundry to cooking my own meals to making my own doctors appointments, I found out that I am capable of doing things on my own and it is amazing when I do. It isn't as difficult as I thought!

Lastly, I have become more open to trying new things while managing my time very well. I am not a very impulsive person, but I feel that I am changing as I am taking more risks and doing more things I would not normally do. I am learning to face reality while having fun, managing my time, and taking time to learn about myself while I am away from home. I am discovering new things about myself on a daily basis and college is shaping me into an overall better version of myself.

I have really enjoyed my first semester as an Elon student and cannot wait to see what else my second home has to offer me in both the spring semester and during my journey in the next three and a half years!