In this image, you can clearly see the relaxed, open area of the amphitheater. This is one of my favorite places on campus, especially on a beautiful day like today. The grass and stone surroundings serve as an ideal place to collaborate with others or focus individually. Since it is outdoors and has a lot of natural beauty, it is a much needed change of scenery and fresh air after spending so much time indoors studying. This area is a central point on Clemson's campus and I remember during a tour I was intrigued by this space and the many purposes it caters to, like studying, socializing, performances, and relaxing. To me, this is a special and important piece of Clemson.

Everyday for the past school year, I have seen this view. Holmes Hall has been my home for freshman year, and it holds many special memories for me. To me, this image represents growing up and being on my own. This place was a big part of finding my way in college and meeting the people that are now some of my closest friends. I will never forget looking at this building on the first day of moving in and thinking that it looked intimidating and overwhelming. Now, I see it as familiar and comfortable.

This image depicts a view I face often as a college student. Starbucks is a vital part of my, as well as many of my fellow classmates, lives. The seemingly endless choices full of much-needed caffeine are almost impossible to say no to. While this may not be the healthiest habit, Starbucks has been a place to meet friends and work with groups, making some coffee-fueled, unforgettable memories this year. Even though my bank account doesn't love it, my heart does.

In this photo, I was walking up the stairway by Brackett when I noticed this beautiful view. The bright blue sky contrasts with the leafless trees, highlighting the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Soon, the campus will be filled with new life. It amazes me how quickly nature changes, just like life as a college student. I cannot believe that it is nearly spring break and that soon, the school year will be over and I will have officially completed my first year at Clemson University. Although I am looking forward to spring and summer breaks, I don't want to take this time for granted. Looking at the classic image of Tillman, an unmissable landmark of Clemson, I am reminded to slow down and enjoy college life even when life is stressful. I know that one day, I will be looking back with nostalgia on this time, remembering all of the changes, discoveries, and adventures I had during my freshman year.

This image shows my view walking back from the gym. It is an especially beautiful day, so you can see the vivid blue sky along with multiple buildings. In the far left, you can see my dorm Holmes Hall. Since the beginning of freshman year, I have met some incredible friends and also made some unforgettable memories in that building. It will always hold a special place in my heart. On the right, is the new Core Campus, which is where the Honors College center is located. This is where I've spent many nights doing homework and studying for exams. Even though all of the school work gets overwhelming sometimes, I love this place too because I've met some wonderful people and learned to keep working hard here. Many of the buildings on Clemson's campus mean a lot to me, and I know all of them will by the time I graduate, as they do to all the students who spend four of the best years of their lives here.

This photograph was taken from the Starbucks in the library, where I have been spending a good amount of time these past two weeks. While working on my many assignments, I glimpsed the natural beauty of Clemson and appreciated my opportunity to be a part of this school and campus. The hills and trees combined with the bridge, amphitheater,  and academic buildings signify a place to learn, but also relax. In this picture, I am reminded to look around and enjoy the little things during busy, overwhelming days.

In this photograph, I captured the large, orange Clemson paw covering the floor of the Fike gym. I have been spending a lot more time in this area this semester, however I just noticed this detail because often I am looking up instead of at my feet. This made me realize the importance of focusing on your awareness of the surroundings you are in. As I continued my workout, I looked at this paw and it inspired me to keep pushing myself. I believe that my time at Clemson University so far has helped me to push my limits in all aspects of my life, including academically, socially, and physically. To me, this symbol is a reminder to cherish the memories I have made this year, as well as the experiences I will go through within the next four years.

Since the beginning of second semester, I have joined club running and have begun focusing on my health and exercise. In high school, I ran track and cross country, which helped develop my love for running. This photo shows one of my favorite views and moments, the football stadium while stretching on the track after a run with one of my friends. The fresh, outdoor air helps to clear my head and is very therapeutic paired with an easy run. The track, only 3 laps for a mile, encircles the intramural field across from the Fike gym. The surface of the track's slightly worn texture reminds me of the ancient track at my high school that I ran on my freshman and sophomore years before it was remodeled. Overall, this place reminds me of my roots and home and the many special memories running holds for me, as well as giving me excitement for a promising second semester of my freshman year here.

Second semester has begun, so, I decided to kick it off with some delicious peach ice cream from 55 Exchange in the Hendrix Student Center. Laughing with my friends and enjoying the warm, seventy-five degree January days of winter are some of my favorite things to do at Clemson, especially when ice cream is involved. The mixture of pieces of peach swirled in creamy peach ice cream is the perfect refreshing treat for days like today. The outdoor tables and spectacular views create a calming, serene aesthetic providing a place to relax after a whirlwind of new classes and changes coming along with the new semester.