Story by Sara Howell, Features editor

I always knew I wanted to go to college, and as I got older, I realized I wanted to go to Murray State.

After receiving my acceptance letter, I spent my summer trying to prepare myself to be away from home. August came around a lot quicker than I was expecting, and before I knew it my family and I were packing up the car to head to Murray, Kentucky.

I tried to hide the fact that I was nervous but when we passed the “10 miles to Murray State University” sign, I had a bit of a meltdown because I realized I would be taking this on alone.

Time went on, and I got comfortable going to class everyday, but I never stepped out of my comfort zone. I stuck to the routine of going to class then going back to my dorm.

By the time sophomore year came around I needed a change, so I registered for sorority recruitment. I went into it not knowing what to expect. Looking back now, I would say it was one of the best decisions of my life.

I found my home in Alpha Delta Pi; I found my people. All the jokes, memories, laughter, tears and joy I got to experience made for a great second year of college.

With my junior year came some unexpected changes. I still made some pretty awesome memories with sisters –  moments that I’ll never forget.

Though, before Thanksgiving break a sister, Hailey Bertels, passed away in a car accident. This shook my friends and I to our cores. I pulled away from everything that I was involved in; I didn’t know how to act.

I was in a pit of sadness and I knew that was not what Hailey would have wanted. She always encouraged and pushed me to do things out of my comfort zone. She saw things in me that, at the time, I didn’t see in myself. After some self realization, I began to place myself back into my life.

I applied for the newspaper and once I found my footing there, I began to rediscover the love and joy for writing. I hope to discover more strengths and work on my weaknesses throughout this school year.

I plan to get as much out of my senior year as I can because soon this chapter of my life will be ending.