Freshman year looked a little different than I imagined it would.

When my mom broke the news that we were moving to a new town and that I would be attending a brand new school, I felt unsettled. But, whether I liked it or not, I did not really have a choice.

I packed up my things and moved to a new town, a new house, and a new school. At first, the idea of a fresh start felt exciting and relieving, but that feeling quickly turned into nerves whenever I thought about making new friends, walking into school on the first day knowing no one, and starting high school altogether.

Summer flew by, and before I knew it, the first day of high school had arrived. It felt like I had blinked, and suddenly it was time to walk through those doors.

To say my first day was hectic would be an understatement. I spent most of the day trying to find my classes and figure out my way around the school, but eventually I started to get the hang of it. I made a few friends on that first day, but I still felt out of place, especially knowing that most of the people around me had known each other since kindergarten.

The first few months were mostly spent trying to find where I belonged and figuring out who my people were. But once October came around, things started to change. I found the girls who would quickly become some of my closest friends.

During October, I also started going to church with some of those friends, and for the first time since moving, I truly felt a sense of belonging. I felt like God was watching over my friendships and guiding me toward the people I needed in my life. I grew so close to my friends, but little did I know things were only going to get better.

When January came, I decided to try something new and joined the lacrosse team. The first day of tryouts was nerve-racking, but it did not take long for me to realize that the girls around me were going to become some of my closest friends, too.

My lacrosse season was filled with happy moments, difficult moments, and unforgettable memories. Through every high and low, I always had my team beside me, and most importantly, I had my friends.

Now it is May, and freshman year is officially over. I never truly understood the phrase, “You blink and it’s over,” until now. This year went by faster than I ever expected, but through it all, I would not change a single thing.

This year I learned a lot, but the main thing I learned is to never be afraid to put yourself out there. Do not be afraid to go talk to someone and try to become friends, do not be afraid to try out for that sport. Just do not fear. 

You are going to get nowhere in life if you let your nerves control how you interact and socialize with others. Moving away and starting fresh was extremely hard, but I would not be as happy as I am if I let my nerves and fears control me.

Freshman year was only the beginning, and I know there is still so much more ahead of me. So, see you next year.