One thing that has taught me so much about myself is my newly found independence in college. Living away from my parents has forced me to mature and face things I never had to think about before.
Freedom can be defined in a multitude of ways. Freshman year, freedom felt like getting whatever snacks I wanted from Patriot, staying up until all hours of the night, and not having to worry about a curfew. Sophomore year, freedom was more about being able to manage my time without someone guiding me, making sure I took care of myself, and the curfew thing was still a huge bonus. Junior year, freedom was moving off campus, not worrying about an RA, but instead worrying about being able to find toilet paper. As a senior, freedom has become budgeting, deciding my next steps based on what I think is best for me, and making choices that will affect the rest of my life.
The time that we are in college is truly pivotal. It shapes us into who we are going to be for the rest of our lives. This starts with small choices freshman year, like Oreos or Goldfish. But by senior year, it is deciding if we’re going to graduate school or searching for a full-time job. I’m glad to be surrounded by people who truly know me. These are my friends, family, and mentors that I rely on to help guide me through uncharted territory. Freedom is a great thing that teaches us through experiences that are irreplaceable. However, it is essential to have a balance for yourself. Finding that balance can take a while. Part of the learning process is messing up and figuring it out through trial and error. However, with the right people in your corner, you’ll never go wrong!
Like Malcolm said in his post about finding the right friends in college, it can truly make or break the experience. I expect that many of the friends I've met here at my mountain home will be lifelong, and I am excited and anxious to see what the next levels of freedom are once we walk across the stage to graduate in May.