my love/hate relationship with college

College life, am I right? It’s this incredible, overwhelming, and often confusing chapter where you find yourself constantly balancing extremes. For so many of us, it truly is a love-hate relationship, and I’m definitely in that club. When I first left home, I was hit by a wave of homesickness that felt almost unbearable. I remember days where I'd just want to curl up and wish I was back with my family and old friends. Seeing my own reflection with a sad expression and teary eyes in an early selfie perfectly captured that feeling of misery and being away for the first time. Everything felt new – living with so many different people, trying to figure out my own emotions, and just generally navigating adulting in a completely unfamiliar environment. It’s not always the picture-perfect 'best years of your life' instantly, and that's okay. That first semester was a real challenge, and the 'hate' part of my relationship with college was definitely winning some days. You're balancing academics, a new social scene, and trying to find your footing, and sometimes it feels like you're just treading water. But then, something shifts. Slowly, the 'love' starts to creep in. It began for me in the spring semester, as I found my rhythm and started making real connections. Those challenging days didn't disappear entirely, but they became fewer and farther between. The OCR images really bring back those memories – like the sheer joy of laughing enthusiastically with a white and brown spotted dog licking my face, or embracing friends so tightly that you feel like you've found your new family. I started to appreciate the walks on campus, seeing a college building in the background as I sat at a picnic table, or just standing by a calm lake, appreciating the peace. Building those friendships is truly magical. From late-night study sessions that turn into deep talks, to wild parties where everyone's smiling, or just quiet moments sitting on a leopard-print blanket on the grass, enjoying snacks with friends – these are the memories that make all the initial struggles worth it. The feeling of belonging, of being 'LUCKY 3' with your closest pals, becomes your new anchor. Even walking on a snowy path at night, bundled up with a group, felt like an adventure. By the end of the year, I realized how much I would genuinely miss college over the summer. All the ups and downs, the moments of despair and the bursts of pure happiness, they all contributed to who I was becoming. It’s messy, it’s not always easy, but it’s an experience that truly shapes you. I'm so excited for senior year in my new house with my besties, ready to make even more memories. Everything truly happens for a reason, and I'm glad I chose this journey, even the unexpected parts.