Alexis Cannon
Design & Layout Editor

My freshman year is coming to an end, and I still cannot believe it is almost over. It feels like it was just yesterday that I wrote about what I expected out of this year. I think it is safe to say that most of what I expected actually did happen. On move-in day, I remember walking on campus with my friends, looking around, searching for the buildings our classes were in. When classes actually began, I remember being so nervous and excited. Surprisingly, most of my classes were laid back, despite expecting them to be way more difficult compared to my classes in high school. Don’t get me wrong, it was a challenge, but not the challenge I expected it to be. I guess I was just prepared. The best part of my first semester was to finally be on my own. I took advantage of my freedom by enjoying myself and attending parties and many other events that went on around campus. I would procrastinate on all of my projects, homework, and tests, but thankfully, I still managed to make good grades. My first semester was difficult because I had to learn on a higher level, I had to get used to having an on-campus job, and most importantly, I had to get used to the fact that my parents were not there to help me as much as they used to.
I decided to take things more seriously in the spring. I didn’t attend many events or parties, I tried to make sure that my main focus was to earn good grades. I completed my projects a day or two before the due date, tried to complete my homework in time and studied more for tests and quizzes. It felt good not having to cram everything the night before. During my first semester, I would miss home and go back almost every weekend. Once I got comfortable enough, I decided to stop doing that because I wanted to actually feel like I’m in college. Staying on campus helped me stay focused on what I needed to do. I’m proud of myself for getting it together and working as hard as I did.
I made new friends this year and met an amazing guy. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot more outgoing than I was before. One of my most memorable moments was going to New Orleans for the College Media Convention. I became closer to some of the people I work with, and learned a lot about page layout and design. I also got to listen to Hoda Kotb give an amazing speech. The fact that this semester is almost over is exciting, and a little sad too. I will miss all of the seniors I became friends with. Yes, it was tough, but I can honestly say that my freshman year was a success.

Tiffany Williams
Lagniappe Editor

My college career, like most people’s, can be described with many emotions.
I’ve been through the good, the bad, the ugly and beyond. Throughout this last semester, however, I really have been pushed to the limit, and everything that I have learned over the last four years has definitely come around full circle.
One thing I’ve learned most is that you cannot always get everything you want, and that is actually a good thing. Since I was a little girl, I envisioned my college career to be something out of a movie. I would come in, meet many great people and graduate with my dream job.
Little did I know this picture-perfect movie could turn into a bit of a nightmare. However, it was a beautiful nightmare. In four years, I have gained friends, lost friends, discovered talents and made many useful connections in reference to my professional career.
I realized that some of the things I thought I wanted most were not meant for me and for a good reason. College is about finding yourself, and I feel like I know who I am more than ever.
Writing for the Nicholls Worth has taught me so much. The majority of my real-world experiences have stemmed from researching topics, interviewing different people and of course, trying to make deadline. I highly recommend college students find some sort of a job pertaining to their major while in college.
The amount of experience and help you receive while working as an undergraduate student will not come as easily when you are in the real world. Taking advantage of every resource available to you is a must.
While I did not accomplish everything I wanted to as a college student, I know I still have the opportunity to make all of my dreams come true upon graduation.  Looking back on all of my accomplishments and defeats, I am truly grateful for everything that has happened to me throughout these last four years at Nicholls.
Every college student should make every memory count because it will all be over in a flash. Cherish every friendship, study group and lecture you will be going through because it will soon be over, and there is no going back. As much as I used to say I wish I could start over and do everything differently, I now realize that everything happens for a reason, and I have become a better person because of it.
Even though I am graduating, I know I still have a lot of growing to do. No one comes to college, takes classes and finishes their programs knowing everything they need to know in order to survive in the real world. Some things must be taught as you go along. I still have a lot of mistakes to make before I can truly call myself an adult.
Thus, as I close this chapter of my life, I will continue to always use the lessons I learned at Nicholls in order to get me through my professional career. May 17 is only the beginning of my success, and I have Nicholls to thank for helping me realize my full potential. “Farewell” college, and “hello,” real world. I have been expecting you.