My name is Leah Gonzalez, I will be the first and this is my story. The meaning of college means independence and a step closer to success. One huge piece I would give someone going into college as the first is not to be scared. These things are always easier said than done but something that helps immensely is looking back at how far you have gotten because sometimes we get lost in the present and want to give up on the future when you have already run half of life’s marathon. Don’t give up on yourself, don’t let your own bad thoughts and fears be the ones to take away a chance of you growing as a student and a person. A person that has helped me a lot with this is my dad, as a child, he had to move away from his parents and he has always taught me to never fear success.