Honestly, I dreaded writing this post because it would mean that it’s over. My freshman year of college is over. As depressed as it makes me, I absolutely cannot wait to experience what the rest of my three years at LSU holds for me. Freshman year was one hell of a ride. To take in every single moment would literally make this blog post go on for years on end :) So, I’ll save y’all some trouble and recap it in a few words.

Living on campus at LSU was ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF. I met so many friends from living in the 7 floor shack known as Miller, or the Miller Mansion. It was the classic all girls dorm — old, loud, and dirty (not surprised that over 600 can’t clean up after themselves). My roomie, Olive,  who has been featured on the blog and I were complete randoms and things could not have worked out any better. Olive, if you’re reading this please know I am hella thankful that we somehow found each other. If it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have had a shoulder to cry on, someone to eat with me at any hour of the day, a ride home from TL, or a second opinion on every outfit and every boy. Forever #535!

Recruitment was honestly something I had always assumed I would be partaking in, and I sure am glad about that. Rushing Alpha Phi, as corny as it sounds, has been one of best things to ever happen to me. I have met lifelong friends, mentors and I’ve become a more passionate leader. To my home away from home, I thank you for giving me memories to last a lifetime. I am so humbled to be able to take a part in something bigger than myself. Getting involved in Alpha Phi from the get-go was so instrumental in my wanting to run for executive board. I currently serve my chapter as our Director of Finance (aka Treasurer aka M-Money as I wish I was called lol) and while the job is a very large responsibility, I have such an amazing time giving back to Alpha Phi what it has given me in this short time I have been a member. I hope to continue to serve my chapter as a member of our executive board and hopefully when I graduate, apply to be an ELC. If you have the chance to rush, I would 10/10 recommend it.

Starting freshman year, I was so nervous about the leap from high school classes (even though I had taken some dual credit and AP courses in high school) to college ones. Going in, I had about 27 credit hours which got a lot of my basic classes out of the way. Second semester I was able to take major classes, and they have me really excited for future classes. I have decided to add a minor in Theatre to my college career, to complete my major in Fashion Merchandising and other minor in Business. I really enjoy school because it is challenging (Accounting killed me but thankfully I finished with a B- #blessed), and next semester should be interesting since I’ll be in some more major classes as well as some minor classes too! The course load in college definitely requires effort, but I think the jump is doable if you come with a good work ethic. I quickly learned I had to form good study habits, and learn the ropes of the library (club Mid) in order to be successful at LSU.

A huuugggeee part of LSU is gamedays/going out, and as much as I focus on my academics, I love a fun night out or gameday as much as any other LSU student. Tiger land is unlike anything I had ever seen before coming to LSU. Who knew that a run down group of bars would hold some of my favorite memories from freshman year? There is ALWAYS something to do at LSU whether it be a night out, gameday, fraternity party, or philanthropy event. Getting ready to go out is always such a fun time because I spent my days in norts and t-shirts so I loved getting dressed up to show people I don’t always look like a homeless sorority girl (lol). Gamedays never failed to be a literal shiz show. The gameday culture at LSU is a tradition I was so excited to be able to experience. I wrote one post a little bit about it here. The pride that comes with being an LSU fan is indescribable. Gameday really sealed the deal for me, confirming that LSU is where I am supposed to be.

I have learned a lot about myself this first year of college. I am more passionate about leading than I ever have been before. I’ve learned not to take anything too seriously. I’ve learned to cherish the moment because college only happens once and it will be the best four years of your life. I’ve learned not to let boys ruin my day. I’ve learned to talk to anyone you can — they could end up being your best friends. I’ve learned that the friendships that matter can withstand the test of anything. I’ve learned to take my studies seriously, but not to be afraid to have a fun night out. I’ve learned how to juggle school, sorority, and a social life. I’ve learned that I just gotta keep doing me and things will fall into place (with hard work and determination of course).

Freshman year, you’ll live on forever in my heart. I’ll never forget the growth I’ve experienced this year — whether it was the lifelong sisters and friends I’ve made, the solidity that the career I have chosen is for me, or just the general mantra that life will go on.

With all that being said, GEAUX TIGERS! Forever LSU!

(aka the crazy loud girl who somehow manages to look like she has it mildly together but is running at a million miles an hour in her head — it’s an odd balance, don’t know how I do it)

PS: Thanks for sticking with me through my freshman year of college, I love y’all to the moon and back for it!