I begin my journey of applying to IUPUI by taking a tour last winter. I was amazed by how big the campus was as well as the community they built here. I submit my application when I got home, and was accepted. August 13th I moved into my dorm and started bridge week the following day. Bridge week was scary at first, but I ended up have a good time and begin making  new friends. As time went on I have felt more involved with campus and growing to be more independent and confident, though that did take some time. My first day being away from my family, and not sleeping in my own bed for a while hit me hard. It was difficult to say the least. I was missing home a lot and was struggling to do things on my own. However as time went on it slowly got easier. I begin to go to more campus events and tried to get to know new people. I still do miss my family also, but learning how to grow on my own and developing into the person I am now has been a great thing I get to see. I have been able to learn that it is okay to be by yourself and in doing so, you are able to really figure out who you are.

    That being said, I was able to learn what my weakness are, which i negative thinking about a lot of things that I do. This is prominent through my education. I constantly doubt I am smart or good enough to be pursing my dreams of becoming a nurse. I will study on hours a day and still doubt that I am going to get a bad grade or that the work I do is not good enough. Even when I do get a good grade I sometimes feel like I do not deserve it. I felt like this has become stronger since I have entered college. However I first believe it is a good thing that I am able to acknowledge it and not be oblivious towards it. I do my best to calm these feelings by telling myself I am none of those things and that this career was placed on my heart for a reason. Remembering all of that helps me be easier on myself. 

    Moreover, learning how to help myself when I am struggling taught me that I do not need to rely on others all the time to get through things. Learning when to ask for help and when to overcome obstacles on you own is an important lesson that I am glad I learned. This will benefit me throughout my whole life because we are always going to go through tough times and learning and trusting yourself to get through it is very valuable. One piece of advise for myself next semester, it to not forget all that you have already accomplished and to not let anything stop you from enjoying your time here.