College is great, don't get me wrong. I love campus life, always having people my age around, and living life independently away from my parents. The stress of college can be incredibly great, especially when mixed with messed up sleep schedules and the pressure to still have a great social life. At the end of the day, I love college, and I'm so proud to say I'll be earning my bachelor's degree, and hopefully my master's as well.

But I needed a break, and I'm so thankful I gave myself that break.

Sometimes getting away from all the noise is good. Giving yourself time to breathe and process the difficulties of life is never a bad thing. I needed space, as well as time to figure out exactly who I am and what college means to me. I was afraid that taking a semester off was going to amount to regret while I missed all of my amazing friends at college -- but I'm so thankful that I did.

Taking a semester off helped me grow. I have discovered more of who I am in these few months than I did the last two years of college. I've discovered how strong I am. I've discovered that not only can I tackle two jobs, but also online schooling, without a problem. This semester has taught me priorities and what the "real adult world" truly looks like. It's made me more prepared for life after college and what that looks like.

Taking a semester off of college has also taught me that it's okay to do what's right for you; you don't always have to listen and follow what everyone else is trying to tell you. Everybody usually thinks they know what is right for you, but they don't have to live with the consequences of your life choices -- you do. I decided that taking this semester off was going to make me a much stronger and better person. I'm so thankful I did it.

This semester has also taught me the value of friendship. It's taught me how special each and every one of my friends are to me -- no matter how far or close they are. I've realized who my true friends are, and it's such a blessing to realize how many amazing people I have in my life. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

I'm graduating on time, and I'll be getting my master's degree as well. I'm not a dropout. I simply decided to take a semester away to better myself and to separate myself from negativity. I'm stronger and much more independent. Staying at college this semester may have resulted in much more hurt and pain. Instead, I decided to choose the better route, and spend four months with my amazing family in my amazing hometown.

There's absolutely no problem with that.