How I've grown and What I've Learned

The past four or so months have been life changing for me. Coming into college I was hoping that I was going to make new friends, but I wasn't sure how I was going to. Being a Hixson scholar really opened things up for me. I found it so much easier for me to connect with people that have been through a lot as well. I've met some awesome people as a Hixson scholar, and I wouldn't have met some of them if it wasn't for it. Aside from being surrounded by great people, I've also grown into a somewhat more responsible adult. I've learned how to conserve on things like money and food, and I've come to find out that walking isn't so bad after all. Eating better has also come into my lifestyle, and quite honestly, the freshman fifteen doesn't have anything on me, yet.  When it comes to academics, well, being a Hixson scholar has really made me focus when I thought I couldn't focus anymore. At times when I need inspiration when I'm studying or if I'm struggling to stay awake to finish a computer engineering lab, I tell myself "You were given an amazing opportunity, don't mess this up." That alone has helped me when I needed it the most in college.

I've learned a lot about myself since I moved here in August. I feel better about myself now that I have in years since I've been at Iowa State. The combination of being a Hixson Scholar, and engineering major, and just the fact that I go to college here at Iowa State University has shaped me for the better. I know in the long run that even though some of my choices haven't been the best, the combination of the ones that were good and bad have lead me to where I am today.