As I write this, the end of my first year of college is less than two weeks away. In the past nine months, I have transformed into a completely new person.

First off, my major is no longer architecture, but instead City and Regional Planning, with a minor in architecture. This decision is one I am extremely happy with, as I find myself filled with absolute passion for planning, which nine months ago I barely knew existed.

I have made a group of incredible best friends (shout out to Hav Fam), who I know will always have my back. I know I’ll never be alone, literally, because most of them sleep three feet away from me. They have given me the confidence to be exactly who I want to be.

I’ve become an avid traveler, and am constantly yearning for somewhere new to see. I made my way to Milwaukee for a service trip with Habitat for Humanity, Chicago for a scholars trip with my best friends, and I even crossed the big pond to visit London for a study abroad trip over Spring Break. Studying the architecture and planning of the places I visit has transformed the way I experience a new place.

I’ve developed a better sense of responsibility by juggling classes, jobs, and a social life all into a 24 hour day. This past semester, I worked at the front desk of Knowlton and Barnes and Noble. Although some days have been really stressful, the learning process is definitely worth it.

Overall, I think my experiences have made me a better person. From football games teaching me to be louder, to studio teaching me about time management, I barely recognize the shy girl I was in high school. At the beginning of this school year, I had no clue what an adventure I was in for. Now that I have a better idea of exactly what being a buckeye entails, I can’t wait for more to come.