The Best Things In Life Are Unexpected, Because There Are No Expectations.

After completing two years of college, going back to Clarkson for Fall 2015 was something that I wasn't entirely looking forward to. At this time in my schooling I was seriously questioning if I was on the right path. I didn't think I picked the right school, let alone the right major. I had been facing many internal conflicts on whether or not I wanted to continue playing lacrosse. To top it all off I was going to be living with three strangers, one female and two males, instead of the roommate I had grown so comfortable with the previous two years.

Being the planner that I am, one can imagine that I was incredibly uneasy walking into this past semester. I am a bit of a control freak and having little to no jurisdiction in a scenario is an intimidating feeling. However, I tried walking into it with an open mind and clean slate. I will be forever grateful that I did. On move in day, I was immediately made aware that I was in for a legendary semester. The first night back, we had a cookout with mountains of delicious food, endless brews, and a homemade pool in the back of one of my new roommate's truck. At that moment in time I didn't realize just how close I would become with my new "squad".

Throughout the entire semester, we had family meals - which never lacked an agglomerate of racy jokes and an unhealthy amount of butter and cheese. The laughing was contagious and seemed interminable. The adventures were constant, whether it was stumbling in absolutely hammered at 3am and having heart to hearts 'til the sun came up, or climbing to the top of a high peak. Instead of complaining about how little there is to do in Potsdam, we got off our asses and explored and hiked, even when the hangover was begging us to stop. There was never a dull moment. We truly became a family.

This semester taught me more than I've ever learned in my entire life. The lack of planning and control made me let go of the rigid structure I had become so accustomed to. This created a more spontaneous and adventurous Rachel. I opened myself up so easily to these people that I barely knew, and created friendships in four short months that are stronger than ones that have been in the making for decades. I have always wondered how you know you are actually in the "good ol' days" before you leave them. That query of mine was finally answered a couple of months ago. As cliche as it sounds, I had this grand realization that for the first time in my life I wouldn't change one aspect of it. I was surrounded by genuinely good people, no matter the direction I turned.

I can honestly say that these past few months have been the best in my life. That's why it's unfortunate that this semester has come to a close. However, in its wake it has paved the way for my next chapter to begin. This journey is something I have been preparing for since I was a little girl. Studying abroad has been my dream, and now that I fly out in a matter of days, it seems so surreal. The closer the departure becomes, the faster my nerves seem to surpass my excitement. I have always been a firm believer in pushing your limits and going outside your own boundaries. After all, if it scares you.. it might be a good thing to try. The thing I've had the most difficulty with is the separation anxiety. Leaving all these wonderful people behind is no easy feat. However, if there's one thing that this semester has taught me, it is that change can be incredibly refreshing. I'm looking forward to immersing myself in another culture, so different from anything I've ever experienced. While I will miss the memories of the past and cherish the memories to come, I will be forever indebted to all the people that have helped mold me into a person that is ready to take on this next adventure with a giant smile and open arms.

Denmark, I'm coming for you.
-R