My first year reflection

In addition to a serious Starbucks addiction, I have learned so much about myself in my first year of college. I feel like since I only have 3 more weeks until my summer, It's appropriate to begin reflecting on my year. This year, I have gained friends, an appreciation for diversity, and an open mind.

When I graduated from high school I was in desperate need of a fresh start. My senior year was not the one I had always imagined that I would have. I began to change as a person and no longer wanted to hang out with my friends from past years. While they wanted to go to parties and hang out with tons of boys, I preferred quiet evenings with my boyfriend in his dorm. My old friends didn't really accept my choices, and those friendships faded fast. I had many things to be proud of my senior year; winning states for pom, being editor in chief of the yearbook, and winning best dressed. But with each triumph came even more drama. Needless to say I was so relieved to finally walk across the stage at commencement and move on to the next chapter of my life.

Unlike a lot of my classmates who went to big schools like MSU, I chose to commute to Eastern Michigan University. And like I have said in the past it was one of the best decisions I have made. I have had so many incredible opportunities at school and have learned so much about myself as I learn how to become an amazing teacher. Here are just a few of the things I have learned about myself, and gained throughout my freshman year

1. Friendship- during our orientation, first four, I met some of the nicest people. It was such a unique experience to meet people and not have the judgements like there were on high school. I also met my "twin" this year, and was amazed that I could have so much in common with someone.

2. Acceptance- through the Best Buddies program at EMU I have learned to be more accepting of people despite their differences. And I have become an advocate for the spread the word to end the word organization.

3. Diversity- I go to a school that's brings together people from different races, economic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. I have met such a wide variety of people and I am so proud to go to a school that promotes diversity on it's campus.

4- community service- at school I have done a lot of volunteer work. I started off the year volunteering at a habitat for humanity store, and while it wasn't exactly the best fit for me, through the experience I gained friends and an appreciation for the people who work for this organization. I have also continued to volunteer my time by being a pen pal for kids in Ypsilanti. I also have continued to volunteer at my mentors kindergarten classroom.

5- AEYC- through this organization I have gained a ton of useful knowledge for my teaching career and well as formed a great relationship with my future professor and my current advisor.

But in addition to school, I have continued to have an amazing relationship with my boyfriend. Even though we have very different college experiences, this year we have grown as individuals and as a couple and have become even closer.

Overall, my freshman year wasn't the same as alot of freshman's but to me it was perfect. I cannot wait for next fall and have even more new experiences.