Freshmen Year

God, it's been a hell of a year.

I tried to write a bunch of memories of freshmen year I had, but I could barely get past the first month before I decided to stop. There are too many.

Sophie told me today that people have noticed that I've changed. Strange since I don't think many people knew me that well first quarter...or second...or now.

As I sit in my empty dorm room, I can't help but think of all the experiences that happened in this room. Elder 229 is more than just a room to me, but a symbol of this year. My roommate and I coming together through longboarding, me going through the hardships of adapting in college, long bored nights spent alone.

I thought I would be ready to run away from freshmen year and quickly shelf it away and try not to remember. But I can't believe I am leaving this dorm room tomorrow, this campus, these people. Make no lie, I LOVE WCEC, but man...this campus is my home now. I didn't think I would say that. But Sheridan Road, the fraternity quads with the trees, and Lisa's, and SPAC, and the lake...this campus is home.

It's odd staring at an empty room. Last time I saw it like this was the beginning of the year, when I was with here with my parents. Them helping me set up everything, then exploring campus. My how I've changed.

I can't even put my tongue on it. I've become so much more aware of my shortcomings. I've discovered more about how situations are entirely out of my control.

I've rediscovered the gospel again and again. I've felt God lift my heart from a sad and raw state through a mediocre sermon.

I know what a "first love" of Jesus now.

See you in the Fall. Farewell, 229. It's been good.