an unfiltered review on my first semester of college

As most of you know, I just finished my first semester of college at Baylor University. And let me tell you, it was absolutely amazing. Sure, there were days where I missed my family and high school friends, but being in Waco surrounded by people who were just like me and valued the same things as me was refreshing and something I hadn't experienced before.

Baylor has been my dream school ever since I can remember. Both of my parents attended the university, and I have grown up attending football games ( even when we sucked we are committed fans ) and taking road trips to Waco to visit the beautiful campus. I think one of the happiest moments of my entire life was when I got accepted to Baylor, and I thank God everyday for the opportunity to go to such an amazing and tradition-oriented school. Because I already felt so at home at Baylor, the transition into the college life wasn't as difficult for me as it was for others.

Many people think the transition into college is super tough and challenging, and a lot of the time it is. But for me, it was the opposite. In high school, I felt like I wasn't being the best version of myself, and that I was just counting down the days until I could move on to bigger and better things. Which is so stupid and cliche, I know, but being at Baylor, I have been able to start fresh and appreciate and absorb the remaining time I have left as a student. I have been able to pursue a career field that I actually am interested in ( after I changed my major oops ), and I have been able to meet some pretty incredible people that are here for the same reason I am: to achieve a higher education and to make memories that you will remember forever. I was not always independent, but I have grown these past few months into a person that enjoys responsibility and values being self-reliant and self-sufficient.

One thing I learned from college is that you are always busy. Like, always busy. I have a serious case of FOMO, and I never want to miss out on a fun campus activity or anything along those lines, so my nights are usually booked and my weekends are, too. During the days, I spend all of my time at Moody Memorial Library. I think it has slowly become my favorite place on campus!! I try to dedicate my time during the day to studying because I hate feeling unsuccessful or like I still have things to accomplish later on in the day. I have learned a lot about my individual study habits since being in college, and I have found that I am the most productive in the mid-morning to early afternoon, so that's the ideal time for me to head on over to Moody to camp out with all of my books and a venti blonde iced caramel latte ( basic but necessary ). Here's a pro-tip I've learned this year about studying: DO NOT STUDY IN YOUR BED. I used to all the time in high school and I never had a problem, but in college, it is incredibly important to have a sacred place where school and studying don't take over. I made this change quickly in the semester and trust me it has made all of the difference in my sleep schedule as well as my grades.

I have grown so much as a student this past semester, but I have also grown as a friend and peer. I value friendship so much and I take it very seriously, so I know that the solid friendships I have made this first semester are friends that I definitely want to keep in my life for a long time. It's heartening to know that I go to a school with so many kind, compassionate, and genuine people, and I cannot see myself at any other school.

Overall, my first semester of college has been one to remember. Even though there were days where I didn't have time to eat and I was so stressed to the point I didn't know what to complete first, I do not regret any part of it because I was in my favorite place, studying my favorite things, with my favorite people. 1/8 semesters done and I can't wait to get back to Waco and finish what I already started!!

XOXO and Sic'em Bears,

Alyssa