Looking back on my freshman year at Findlay, I have learned so much. It would be almost impossible to write about how many lessons I have learned my first year on campus! As the end of the school year approaches, and the stress of exams is weighing on me heavily, I thought it would be a great opportunity to reflect on all that I have learned and experienced this year.

1. Choices: It is no surprise that college freshman are not noted for making the best choices. This is no wonder, however. Most freshmen are almost fully dependent on their parents for the first 18 years, and then immediately become autonomous the minute we step foot on campus. This is awesome! College gives you the opportunity to become your own unique individual. With individualism, though, comes choices. Making the right choice in every decision is not easy. I have learned this throughout my first year. Not every choice I have made has been the right one, and that is okay. No one said that you have to have to get it right the first, or fifth time! I no longer can depend on anyone else making the right decisions for me, except for me. I would not want it any other way. College has shown me who I am. And I’m looking forward to learning something new about myself everyday from here on out through the choices that I make.
2. Priorities: This year, I have learned that you had better put school on the top of your priority list, because it will most likely end up there by default. I am here to get an education so that I can have the future I’ve always dreamed of. Although my motivation has wavered a few times, it helps me to know all of the work will pay off someday. Am I saying that you can not play? Of course not! At the end of the day though, school has become my number one priority.
3. Friendships: Speaking of play, can I just say how many amazing people I have met this year? I can hardly believe it. Coming to UF, I had a few close friends I took with me from high school. As I end my freshman year, however, I have so many friends that I am looking forward to continue making memories with. By becoming a member of Sigma Kappa, it has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. I truly feel that I have made friendships this year that will last a lifetime; I have met my best friends. Throughout the next years, I look forward to building upon these relationships.

This year has taught me so many lessons. I have made amazing connections and experienced so many things that I wouldn’t trade for the world. Thank you Oiler Nation for giving me such a great first year. I am truly thankful to attend a school that fosters so many chances for me to excel. For now, I am signing off. I look forward to a relaxing summer. Thanks for following along for my first year journey! It’s been a great ride!

-Tatum

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