I believe college is more than just academic learning; it is also about self-growth. It is about progress and learning how to grow up. Since starting college a over a year ago, I have gone through many moments that made me notice how far I have gone from my teenage/high school self. Here are ten of them:

10. The moment I let go of all the negative people in my life.

It takes a while for you to realize the toxic people in your life. You do not want to believe that they are making you so unhappy. But once you are off to college, there comes a time when you're making new friends and it finally registers that all the anger and sadness roots from them. Do not let others take away your happiness.

9. The moment I started doing my laundry.

All the times my mother asked me to go do laundry with her and I declined came back to bite me because this was hard. As a sophomore, I still shrink my clothes because I forget to put the washer on delicate or I leave it too long in the dryer. The first time I did laundry on my own, it hit me that I can no longer just put my clothes in the basket and come back and have it all washed.

8. The moment I received my first check.

Whether it is a scholarship or pay check , the first time you receive a check with your name on it basically makes you a person that now posses the power to their own money. You earned that money, it all yours and that is something to be proud of. You have to learn to be wise about money.

7. The moment I became an active member in my community and joined clubs.

Taking baby steps is key for this moment. Unless you feel that you are ready for a leadership role, as a freshman in college it is important to get involved. They are so many clubs on campus that one is bound to interest you. Being active and joining clubs gives you the opportunity to get to know your community better and to learn. It helps you make new friends that will support you and help you when you need it.

6. The moment I started making connections with adults.

This one may sound silly, but as a teenager all you want to do is run away from adults. Adults were full of responsibilities, work, and just plain boring. But now as an adult yourself, you want to create relationships with those that have worked hard in their lives, who can tell you stories on how to get to where you want to go, and gives you ambition.

5. The moment I started looking up scholarships, study abroad applications, etc.

Applications do not end after high school. Sure, you're in college. But what about grad school? What about scholarships? Applications have just started, so we all better get used to them. What helps is to see the application process as a challenge. You want to show them that you are their best candidate and they would be completely wrong if they did not choose you.

4. The moment I realized I want an extraordinary life.

I deserve more. You deserve more. Do not accept anything less.

3. The moment I laughed at the little things that would bother me in the past.

If I had a dollar for every time I laugh when I think of balling my eyes out for 2 hours because of a chemistry exam, I would be filthy rich. I would put so much unnecessary stress on myself, that I would cut myself off from the world. I regret some decisions I made in my past, but I have learned to laugh and move on because I am no longer that person.

2. The moment I realized my voice mattered.

I spent most of my teenage years thinking that no one really cared what I had to say. No one would listen even if I screamed at the top of my lungs I thought all the time. It was not until my high school graduation when all my friends and teachers would tell me how much I've grown that I realized, they were listening. It was me who thought that my voice didn't matter. But never again will I think that, there is no going back.

1. The moment I stopped caring what people think.

I lived without social media for a while, mostly because I cared so much about how people perceived me. Was that too mean? Was that too nice? They are times when people's opinions do cross my mind, but I do not obsess over it like I did before. I care what my friends and family think of me because they know me, but strangers? Strangers are outsiders, they should not impact the way you live your life. Stop hiding and start living.