As my first year of college comes to a close, I realize that I am a completely different person than I was less than a year ago.

I survived.

It was the fastest and the longest year of my life but there was nowhere else I would have rather been. My first year of college began as a cranky girl overwhelmed by all the craziness that surrounded move in and it ended with a woman ready to take on the craziness of the world. Well, maybe not the world quite yet, but I can definitely take on my sophomore year.

When I started college, everyone told me this is where I would find myself and the best friends I could ever have. I didn't get my hopes up. First semester went by and I was still very shut off. I turned down the opportunity to go through Fall recruitment for Greek Life out of fear. I only spoke when spoken to and it was restricted to small talk. I had not made those “lifelong friends” that I was promised. On the other hand, I had survived all my classes and made the Dean’s List, so I figured all was well. No major changes ensued during my first semester.

When I returned for second semester, I decided that I was going to put myself out there. Even though I wouldn’t be living on campus, I was determined to be more involved. I went through spring recruitment for Greek Life and I found my home. I began trying new things and initiating conversations with strangers. I put myself out there and the results were tremendous. Second semester allowed me to find those genuine friends and realize who I truly was.

I began college scared and lonely but by the time second semester ended, I was unafraid and supported by my new sisters and friends. Even though I have hardly started my college journey, I have learned so much about my school and myself. My first year was a total transformation to find who I can be and I can’t wait to see what the rest of my college years have in store for me. Not only did I survive but I thrived during my first year at college.