My name is Ethan and I am a freshman at West Virginia University. My first semester here was an interesting one, a life changer. I was struggling for months with my inner-being, having days, even weeks, where I would be so down on myself and on others. I would not go to class sometimes, I would smoke weed almost everyday, though it only made things worse. I would have barely any money, and the money that I did have I would blow on drugs or something that would help me make my life easier.

My first semester was killing me inside. I did not know what to do or who to turn to. So as months went by, I really started thinking about myself and my situation and the life that was around. I started realizing more and more that it’s not the life I need, and more importantly WANT. I didn’t really have a reason for being angry all the time and down on myself.

I have; great friends, a loving family, a roof over my head, a brain that I can use for better things, opportunities all around me to find a job and to make more money, food whenever I need, clothes for the cold weather, a bed to sleep in, technology to use, teachers to give me an education that I can use for the rest of my life, many girls to start a relationship with (ha ha), enough time on my hands that I can do a lot of things that I want to do when I’m not in class, and now… I have faith, love, and new state of mind that WILL help me for the rest of my life.

I found the problems that surrounded me and I eliminated them. I now do things that I never really used to. I do not smoke anything anymore, I’ve been lifting weights with my best friend and roommate which I’ve never done before and I’m feeling healthier as I speak. I’m more open to talk to girls around here and just be myself and not be shy or anything, and I go to class without excuses now. Excuses get me nowhere and now I’ve realized that the world is mine and I can do whatever I want to do and get whatever I want to have!!! I want this story to inspire people to change their mindset to a setting that fits most perfectly for them and stick with it. IT’S THAT EASY! I am so grateful for the life I have been given and I am ready to do things that will please me for the rest of my life! Here I come….