Until August Bloomsburg...

Freshmen year is over.  Here I am, again, sitting in an empty dorm room.  Car is packed, my roommate already left, and I have one final remaining.  People are not joking when they say time flies, this has become so apparent.  It does not feel real.  I thought this day would never come.  Being swamped with homework, papers, projects, and studying for finals.  It is a lot to take in.  I have to thank Bloomsburg University, but especially Columbia Hall for being my home away from home (along with all my crazy floor mates).  As I sit here, I reminisce on move in day.  How crazy and hectic that was.  I was in an unfamiliar place and thrown into a jail-like room (or so it felt).  I am really going to miss being a freshmen living in a dorm.  It was always exciting to know this was where I was coming back to after a weekend home.  This past year has been a time of growth for me, that's for sure.

The friends I've made, the people I've met, the places I've gone, and the things I've done have created this new person in me.  I can honestly say I am not the same person I was when I walked into this building nine months ago.  I am much stronger, more calm, and more in awe with God than ever before.  I am more true to myself and I stand up for what I believe in.  I can honestly say that if I did not go off to college, I would have never found my true self. 

Since being away at school, I have tried not take a lot of things for granted.  My relationship with my grandparents have flourished and it is one of the most rewarding things to watch transpire.  This is the longest I have been away from my friends at home, which makes me want to squeeze and love them forever and ever (except Allsion, she doesn't like hugs).  Being away at college makes me appreciate home.  As much as I can never see myself living in York for the rest of my life, there's nothing like coming home for the first time in months to the comforting scent that every house has.  And of course, I cannot forget my parents and siblings.  They continued to support and love me in my time of growth and finding who I want to be.

Bloomsburg really has given me a different outlook on life.  I can't say these past nine months have been easy, because if I did I would be lying.  But I can say that God showed up in my life.  Everyday I was able to see Him working, in and around my life.  The people he placed in my life to mentor me, but also the people he placed in my life for me to mentor.  I have never felt God's presence so ripe and raw before I became involved in CRU.  If you were to ask me what the best part of my freshmen year was, I would instantly be able to tell you; CRU.  We really do have a loving God, He shows up just when you need Him to, He has unconditional love, and His grace is so abundant and plentiful that it is overwhelming. 

So as I sit here, listening to the sound of people moving out, I am reminded that I am so blessed to have had this opportunity.  The opportunity to live in this specific dorm, because if not, I would have never met some of my best friends.  But most importantly the opportunity to find myself.  It is so strange to think that when I come back next year I will no longer live with the other 25 other girls on my floor and I probably won't see most of them again.  But they each have taught me so many lessons that I will hold onto forever.  I am so thankful God planned this part of my life.

Its been real Columbia Hall. See you in 3 months Bloomsburg.  You will be greatly missed. <3