The Past Year

So I am approaching the end of my first year at college. Its hard to believe I will be a sophomore next year! It amazes me how quickly time goes by, because it definately feels like just yesterday I was a sophomore in high school. I am kind of in amazement when I survey the past year and realize the growth and progress I have made as a woman. I look at pictures of myself in the early days, and I realize that that girl is vanishing, and a new woman is taking her place. So many of my experiences this year have shaped me tremendously. Most importantly, I have learned the true value of friends and family. In high school, I always appreciated and loved my friends and family; but, this year has taught me that these people ground me. My family, dysfunctional and (occasionaly) annoying as they may be, are my roots. They taught me what I know and what I believe. There are things we all disagree about, but we all agree that we love each other, which at the end of the day is all we really need. I run cross country, and it taught me that no matter how badly something hurts, the pain won't last forever. I think this is metaphoric for life; some things are extremely painful and difficult to overcome, but we must all remember that the pain will not last forever. I finally overcame my fear of allowing myself to fall for a boy. That situation is a near disaster area at the moment, but I'm at peace with the situation for now. We will see where it goes. I have dealt with some disappointments, wheter from other girls, or in myself. I cant wait to see what the next year has in store, but for right now, I am going to love the day that I have.