Exams were almost over and I began packing up a lot of my stuff to begin my journey home. I could not wait to be home with my family and friends. Being away from people makes your realize how important they are to you. When I go home I can't wait to go to the beach and to my favorite restaraunts in Miami. The drive is not too long - just about 4 hours. It goes by pretty quickly when you're looking forward to getting somewhere! Overall my first semester at Saint Leo University was a success. I did well in all of my classes and I had a great time!

Exams have finally arrived and I can feel the stress building around the school. Many people are uptight about what they have ahead of them. Personally I don’t let myself get worked up over things like this. I make sure I study to the point where I am comfortable to walk into the test and do well. Being prepared for your tests is crucial so you can avoid suffering the consequences. Also you must make sure that you eat good food so your mind is stimulated. Bottled water is also very good for the test because you may get thirsty. All in all my first exam was a success. I got a 92%!!

When Friday November the 16th rolled around I was out of here immediately. I could not wait to be back with my family and friends. I had been looking forward to thanksgiving for a while and was excited that the time had finally come. Once I arrived home the fun began. I started with a nice family dinner and finished the night off with my friends that were back in town. I went to Miami multiple times over break because the club scene is great. I also went skydiving with a few friends while I was there. My Thanksgiving dinner was unbelievable - I saw all of my family and the food was great. Thanksgiving break was everything I thought it would be.

After making plenty of trips to Wal-Mart I had finally settled in. My room was much nicer than I expected for a dorm room. My roommate Nick and I each brought our own TVs so everything worked out perfectly. The first few weeks turned out better than I predicted. I met plenty of freshman and upper class men that were just like me. Once classes started I did not have as much free time on my hands. Thankfully all of my teachers are great and I enjoy all my classes (except biology.) The one mistake that many freshmen make is sitting in their dorm room and not putting their time to use. Although I can be guilty of this on occasion I took advantage of all the activities offered. Lacrosse had finally started up and the first three days were tryouts. Over sixty kids turned out and there was tons of pressure on my shoulders. Thankfully I made the team and everything has been going well since then. My first few weeks at Saint Leo have been a success; I have met many great people and found out that being on your own takes time but it works out for the best!

Summer was coming to and end and college was right around the corner. I had an excellent job and it was time to say goodbye to my friends, family, and co workers. I knew that this would be a fresh beginning to the rest of my life and I was anxiously awaiting new challenges, experiences, and a new environment. Missing everything I was use to would be inevitable, but I was willing and ready to explore my latest surroundings in a peaceful setting. I had visited Saint Leo a few times already to see if it was a place I would like to pursue my lacrosse career. When I finally arrived here my emotions were all over the place. Moving in was much easier than I thought it would be. After moving in it was time for my parents to leave, this was harder than I thought although I was definitely thrilled to finally be on my own!

A few weeks before beginning a new chapter of my life I had my first college orientation. I was nervous yet excited at the same time. Once arriving at Saint Leo I new I was in the right place. All the staff members and group leaders made you feel right at home. Also everyone was so close with one another and it was a great community feeling. There were numerous activities set up for the entire incoming freshman class and they also had members from the real world come and speak with us. Overall the orientation process was a success, I came into it so nervous and wondering what I would do with no friends or guidance and I left with a brand new attitude!