Girl With A Planner: May 2017

Well hellooooo people! I AM BACK. I officially completed my first year of college!! As of today, I've been back for two weeks, which is crazy to me. And, since I have a lot more free time now, I'll have adequate time to dedicate to the blog. I have a life update coming for y'all next week, but today, I wanted to share some thoughts on my first year of #college (also I used that phrase way too many times this year)!!

First, I want to talk about the initial move. I thought I was completely prepared. I had read every "what to bring to college list", had all my recruitment outfits ready, and already had my schedule written in my planner. On the surface I was ready, but emotionally I was not at all. I was pretty independent in high school, so I knew I would be able to take care of myself. There were just so many things that changed at once. And it was really, really hard. If I'm being honest, the first half of my first semester was probably the darkest point I've ever been at in my life. I missed my family, I was so lonely, my science classes were insane...you get the picture. I went home on a weekend after three weeks of classes, and on the entire drive back to school, I was bawling. And I really didn't see how anything was going to get better.

I don't write all of this to be dramatic or bitter, I just want to honestly depict how my experience has been. But something beautiful that came out of this storm is how it drove me to the Lord. I have never in my life felt closer to Him. Sometimes, the only thing that would make me feel better would be listening to "It Is Well With My Soul" on repeat. During this time, I also found a mentor that was an incredible spiritual encourager.

Now we move a little on down the road to post-Fall Break. Things were getting better!! The holidays were on the horizon, and I was finally getting into the swing of things. I have to insert a plug here for my roommate Savana--rooming with her was on of the best decisions I ever made. Everyone told us "don't room with your best friend", but it was such a blessing. So thanks, Sav, for putting up with me and all of my decorations!! :)

Coming back after Christmas Break was a hard adjustment again, going from sleeping in my own full bed in my own room to sharing a room with a twin size bed. But, nevertheless, it was OK. That's one major thing I learned this year....to be flexible and adjust. I'm usually SOOOOO Type A, but I really do think I learned to relax a little more this year.

Also, this year really pushed me out of my comfort zone in the area of people. I am such an introvert, and walking up to people and introducing myself is not my cup of tea. But after I joined a sorority where I knew no one, I had to step up and put myself out there! I'm truly thankful for this lesson because I met so, so many new, wonderful people. And, chances are, most people you meet will already know someone you know in some way or another.

PSA: The Freshman 15 is not always real!! haha. My roommate and I tried to eat as healthy as possible (to an extent), but after about November I was over the dining hall. Not. A. Fan. But I would recommend to walk everywhere!! It keeps the pounds off more than you would think.

I want to address the common phrase of "College is the best four years of your life!" This year in my life was definitely the most fun one to date, but I wouldn't say it was the best. Moving to college caused so much change and instability. Everyone said it would be hard, but I thought I was ready. And I wasn't. In my later years of high school, I asked God for humility several times. And He definitely gave it to me! Those first few months of college I was humbled. Like a lot haha. And I wouldn't go back and change a thing. From these past 9 months, I've gained so many memories that I'll never forget and so many friends I cherish dearly. Everyone says "Sophomore year is so much better", so here's to hoping August 2017 will be the best!! (also cringing at how many times I wrote "everyone says"....hahaha so many people LOVE to offer you advice before you go to college).

Here are some of the highlights of my freshman year!!