As I walked outside today, returning from getting gas, I took a look around me and thought back on all the memories I've made here at Tarleton. Here's a few:

1. Where you want to be isn't necessarily where you need to be.
-When I got to Tarleton, I thought I was in paradise. But soon after arriving, I realized it didn't quite feel like home. But, with perseverance I made it work for two semesters. Don't get me wrong, I love it here. But certain things have happened that made me realize this isn't my place.

2. The person who broke you can't be the one to fix you.
-When a relationship ends, it ends for a reason. Getting back together might be able to fix things but usually, the same thing'll happen and it'll hurt even more the longer you try and duct tape things together. I learned that the hard way.

3. Family doesn't end with blood.
-I've got the most amazing group of brothers. (I'm not gonna tag them all, Mu Theta, you know who you are) and some of the best friends ever. Through the easy times and the hard times they've all stuck by my side. Don't worry, I'll definitely come back to visit and keep in touch. I even had a band director/mentor who I look up to more than anyone I've met during my time here, my band director, He taught me how to be loud and proud about my school's sports teams. (Scott helped too).

4. Just because you think you have a friend, doesn't mean they're truly your friend. 
-Nough said on this one

5. No matter what you say in High School, you're gonna change once you get to college.
-I always said I wasn't going to go to parties or join a frat in College while I was in school. Look at me now.

6. Don't judge a person based on first impressions or looks.
-I've seen people become better people and worse people during my first year of college.

7. Beating a hasty retreat isn't losing, it's knowing when you need to step away before things get worse.
-I will not be returning to Tarleton after this semester. Things have happened that taught me my first lesson. I realized that I need to get away and figure my life out somewhere, well, not new but somewhere different. I will be enrolling at TAMUCC this fall.

8. The friends you make here are friends for life.
-I know that I can call any of my brothers or friends at any time and say "Hey, i need help with this." and they'd be there in an instant. There's people from high school who I haven't seen or heard from since graduation. Some of them, I considered to be my best friends.

9. Just because you want to do something when you're younger doesn't mean that's what you're going to do for life.
-Growing up, I wanted to be a game designer. But after arriving at college, I quickly got burnt out on that and realized music and education were my true callings. I'm now a music education major with minors in History and English.

My first year of college was a roller coaster. I can't say that I'm not relieved it's over. But, I'm glad I experienced it. I'm glad that I've learned these lessons. I'm going to miss Tarleton but I know that the gates are always open for me to come back and visit.