I thought once I went to college everything would be perfect. I figured I would be happy since I would be away from home, independent, and finally have all the privileges of a young adult. Although this was all true, I underestimated the amount of responsibility that comes along with those privileges.

I have completed my first year of college. This school year has been filled with many ups and downs. I started the semester like any other first year college student, excited and ready to meet people and have fun. As a biology major I quickly realized that the amount of fun I would have would be strictly limited. In addition to school work, I started working which took up even more time. I had to adjust to having a full schedule everyday.

It was all new to me. Just a year ago I was a high school senior without a care in the world. No problems, no bills, no stress. Fast forward to now I have past due parking tickets, a job, and trying to keep up with my workload.

Even though this year has felt like a roller coaster, I would not trade it for anything. I believe it’s all worth it. I feel like I am taking the first steps to having a successful career and happy future. As a first generation college student, I am making my family proud and setting a good example for my younger sisters. As my college endeavor continues, I will encounter more problems, but now I am ready to face them.