WHAT COLLEGE HAS GIVEN ME

As I begin my second semester at the University of Iowa, I must reflect on all of the wonderful things my college experience has given me. It's been a lot of hard work and stress, but with it comes lots of laughs and memories that I wouldn't trade for the world. Here's what college has given me.

Sisters I always knew I wanted to join a sorority when I was in college, but I never knew just what that meant. You get the letters, you get the house, you get the Instagram pictures. But I've gotten so much more than that. I've gotten a support system, a place to call home. I've gotten memories that are so incredibly special to me I think about them all the time. I've gotten girls that I really do call my sisters, because all though I had never had one, I have a bond with them that I couldn't find anywhere else. Chi Omega has made me so insanely happy, and I wouldn't trade my sisters for the world. Independence There's a reason being in college is a big step: it's when you truly become your own person. You're not answering to anyone (unless you're like me and call your parents twice a week), and you do everything for yourself. My time is my own, and my choices are made without anyone holding my hand. I choose to go to class. I choose to go out with my friends. I choose to do (or not do) my laundry. I choose to be my own person. And it's given me a much better sense of who I am on my own when there's nobody left to impress or pretend for. Friends Here's a shoutout to my roommate and the first two friends I made at Iowa, Gabbi, Christine, and Hannah. We met at orientation and they were the first glimpse I got at what college life would be like. They were the people that made me excited to return to the University of Iowa in the fall when we would officially be students. And throughout the fall semester, I met all sorts of friends in my classes, through Greek life, and in the dorm, and to any of them reading this right now, thank you. You're the best. Determination Working hard in college is a choice. Nobody can sit there and study for you or do your calc homework. And for a long time, I doubted how well I would do in college if I was going to be in charge of my education. But I definitely proved myself wrong over the course of my first semester. On the average day from September to December, you would find me in Bruegger's with my head buried in a textbook or my laptop staring at lecture notes. Self-Reflection When you're in college, you have a lot more alone time than you'd think. Especially if you're the type that studies alone or picks a night to stay in on the weekends. I tend to let my mind run wild when I'm alone, and it's given me lots of time to reflect on who I am. They say college changes you, but I think college really brings out who you are. Because like being independent, you're also alone. I'm lucky enough to have so many people I can be with at school that I never have to feel this way, but it's okay to feel isolated every once and a while. And feeling this way can translate into feeling more like yourself, the person you have at the end of the day once you're just being yourself. Confidence The greatest feeling in the world is the ability to be yourself, and that's what I've found most rewarding about college. And this feeling instills some sort of confidence that you couldn't find in high school when everyone cared what people thought, or even in your hometown where everyone knew everyone's business. You can choose to be anything or anyone you want, and the feeling of being yourself is the best way to feel confident. You don't have to answer to anyone about who you choose to be, because all you're doing is being exactly who you are. Memories I'm lucky enough to have another seven semesters in front of me, and after one amazing semester, I can't believe I get to do it all over again for the next three and a half years. From nights out to nights in, downtown or in the dorm, and everything in between, I've made amazing memories with the people that have been a part of my first semester. Here's to the future!

xo Kate