Finishing up my first semester of my freshman year, I have been reminiscing on the numerous things I have learned since I arrived on campus this past August. To my surprise, there were actually plenty of things I have come to know from myself, others and just life itself. Maybe some of you can relate or maybe realize it before you get through your first semester here.

1. My parents do a lot for me

I always knew this but never completely realized it until I was on my own. My parents have literally taken full care of me since I was been born and that's all I have experienced. You don't realize how much you miss them driving you around, making you dinner and just talking about everything under the sun, while giving me some much needed advice. I really should tell them "Thank you" more often.

2. Long distance is harder than you think

I thought it wouldn't be to difficult to maintain friendships and relationships long-term and long distance, but turns out it's a lot harder than any of us thought. You really gotta keep up with everyone you wish to and see them when you come home. It is a whole other ballpark from far away. You can't just drive to someone's house after a fight or see them the next day at school and hug it out. You can't show how much you care about them even though that is all you want to do. Probably one of the most difficult things to manage so far at college.

3. But it's worth it

The feeling you get seeing someone you've missed everyday you've been away is one of the absolute best feelings in the world. "Distance makes the heart grow stronger" sure can be a true statement. Then catching up with everyone and hearing stories over coffee and lunch also so much fun. So even though it is hard, these friendships and relationships are really worth keeping.

4. Walking everywhere is better with an amazing playlist

You certainly get your fair share of walking absolutely everywhere, especially at a school like the University of Illinois. Yet, if you have the most amazing playlist ever known to man, then you will have a slightly less awful time walking for 20 minutes and/or in the freezing cold. Some background music is always a plus when walking around taking everything in.

5. Be nice to everyone

We are told this plenty. It has always been true, naturally. But I have just found that in college it has come into play a lot. Because we are all starting off on a clean slate, we have to completely make a name for ourselves. Immediately, someone will be pinned as "mean" if they are rude or talking bad about someone. That can be someone's first or only impression of you and it could be passed on and on. Point being that it is a very difficult believed personality trait to overcome. So just be nice.

6. Budget well

Budgeting your money and time well is definitely up there i some of the hardest things I've had to do while here on campus. I soon came to realize I am not rich by any means and do not have loads of spending money. I actually have to feed myself and buy necessary things for myself, rather than just spending money on frivolous objects I probably do not need at that second. Time, too, is not something to be wasted and, once more involved, can be almost impossible to manage. Try your best. Make time for what matters.

7. I can live on my own

I have been slightly surprised but mostly extremely proud of myself for being able to live on my own for about 4 months. It does not seem like much but it has certainly felt like a while. I can do my own laundry, find food, wake myself up (usually), succeed in school and be responsible. Granted I think half my close have shrunk a size and I still tend to put off work longer than I should; but hey, still made it!

8. Home is not too far away

Home really is only a call, drive, flight or FaceTime away. With all the technology we have nowadays, it makes being homesick cured a little faster. I have found it so comforting to call my family and friends when I have something to tell them, had a bad day or just need to hear their voice. I have also found home in little things that remind me of my family and life back in Chicago. Certain things can make me smile and realize sometimes I take home with me wherever I go.

9. Baseball caps are a lifesaver

Bad hair days are inevitable, especially when you wake up approximately 15 minutes before your first class of the day. My family can vouch for me when I tell you my hair is not the easiest to work with nor the best in the morning. However, a baseball cap changes all this! You can just slap one of those on your head with not well groomed hair and no makeup and you look like a million bucks! Well, maybe not a million but much more socially acceptable than you did before.

10. Don't be afraid of making your own life

We tend to all be to comfortable with the life we had at home--the life more written for us. A lot of people tend to live in that time but that is such a mistake. We are given this incredible opportunity to write our own story. Prove everyone that we are worth so much and are fascinating people. We cannot take this for granted. It is scary but also so exciting. The world is before us and here is where we start our path to make a difference.

As you've noticed, I learned a lot more this semester than just in the classroom. Some took me longer to realize then others but I am so glad I understand much of this now. I can honestly say I will very much enjoy my break at home, and cannot wait to come back for many more lessons learned.