julianna-85My first semester in college was definitely not what I expected! My social life had its ups and downs throughout the semester. Since I was the only one from my high school to go to Texas State University, I was very excited to make new friends. Everything was great at first; I arrived and made many friends, but then the friends I made started changing. These friends partied until 6am on a school night, drank until they were completely wasted… I had never (still haven’t) had a drink in my life! For a moment I thought I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t want to be a loner and have no friends. But then I realized staying up late wasn’t really doing me any good and especially not my grades, so I decided to stop hanging out with them. I ended up making a few new friends, people who had similar goals as me and who didn’t get drunk almost every night. Now I can’t wait to go back and catch up with them!

Academically, I did really great. I knew that after everything I had gone through to get to college, I wasn’t going to throw it all away by letting my grades slip. So I made a commitment of studying and giving it my all towards my grades. There were days when I felt sick, when I had family problems troubling me. But I never let any of that show in my grades. Now, I am very proud of myself because all those nights that I stayed in to study instead of partying paid off. I made the Dean’s List, and I am coming back this semester.

I had goals set for first semester and accomplished them. However, just because I’ve done this well doesn’t mean I can take a break or not try as hard. I will remember everything I’ve done in the past, set goals like I did last semester to achieve a greater future: This is just the beginning!