looking back

The other day I walked by the same fence with the beautiful white flowers that I had photographed 2 years ago when I toured Chapman for the first time. In that moment, I was overwhelmed by gratitude and pride in my accomplishments. 2 years ago I would have NEVER thought that this place would be my new home.

What a crazy adventure it’s been.

I’m almost done with my freshman year of college, one of the most confusing and exciting times in my life so far. Somehow I’ve managed to get good grades, get involved with so many different things on campus, and make some pretty awesome friends and supporters along the way. Of course there are always moments where I felt like I was just losing at everything, but I’ve had to remember everything I’ve already accomplished.

I've come such a long way.

There have been so many personal obstacles I’ve overcome and continue to overcome. I took a pretty scary leap a few months ago, a leap that landed me all the way across the country. With the support of my family and friends, I’ve started to flourish here in Orange, California.

Move-in day first semester, I could NOT imagine myself thriving in a new environment with my half-swollen face left over from double jaw surgery and my North Carolinian background. Going through many phases of loneliness, panic, and doubt, I finally started to become comfortable on this palm-tree ridden campus. My family’s love from 2,400 miles away has continued to lift me up and keep me going. I am so thankful for them and for my wonderful, supportive roommates who have made my freshman year so much easier. I am so blessed to have had my lovely suite fam be my cheerleaders throughout this year. They’ve seen me at my best and worst, whether I’m crying from absolute frustration or crying from pure excitement. They encourage me to be the best version of myself everyday, and they never fail to make me laugh until I’m rolling on the floor.