1. Learning how to follow God's plan.
Deciding on where to attend college seemed like one of the biggest decisions of my life. Little did I know that God had already paved his path for me. I learned that trusting in Him can lead to amazing outcomes, such as, attending a college that seems like it was created just for me. In 2017 I will continue to listen to God, and trust in His plan no matter the obstacles that come my way.
2. Learning how to share my gifts with the world.
Singing and music in general have been a huge part of my life since the very beginning. In 2016 I learned that sharing these gifts can help others see their own. I learned how to face my fear and share my voice with the world. In 2017 I will continue to be heard and encourage others to be heard as well.
3. Learning how to cherish each moment.
I mentally prepared myself throughout the course of my senior year of high school that I will never be able to share moments like these with the people that I love ever again. I went through each day cherishing the friends that I made, and the memories that I shared with each of them. In 2017 I am going to cherish every single moment and person in my life because you never get to relive that day with that person ever again.
4. Learning how to be independent.
Relying on other people for happiness or support is a speciality of mine. After my first semester of college, I have learned that being independent is not a bad thing. In fact, you learn more about yourself while you are by yourself. In 2017 I will continue to receive support and love from others, but I will also grow as an individual on my own.
5. Learning how to let go.
The first step to letting go is realizing what you NEED to let go. If you are physically or mentally exhausted from a person or thing, it may be time to let go. Toxic people and toxic things can lead to bad outcomes. In 2016 I learned to let go of the people or things that made me less of the person that I wanted to be. Letting go can be extremely heartbreaking, but in the end, it may lead to something better. In 2017 I will recognize the people or things that I need to let go in order to become the person that I want to be.
6. Learning to never settle for less.
In 2016 I learned to never settle for less than what I deserve. This doesn't mean "being picky," but it does mean that you and your health come first. Never settle for things that can tear you down as a person. In 2017 I will continue to strive for greater things, and put myself and my health first when it is necessary.
7. Learning that having fun really does help to relieve stress.
Whether it was going out with my friends the night before taking my SATS, or dancing on table tops in the dining hall/having photo shoots during finals week at college, I learned that having fun is essential to relieving stress. In 2017 I will continue to work hard, but squeeze in some relaxation and fun times in order to keep myself sane.
8. Learning to chase after your dreams.
This sounds so cliché, but I definitely learned how to chase after my dreams. As Emma Stone sings in the new (amazing) film "La La Land," "Here's to the ones who dream, foolish as it may seem." I am one of those foolish people, but I have learned that maybe one day chasing my dreams can make them a reality.
9. Learning that family and friends can make everything seem better.
Living away from home may be one of the weirdest experiences that I have ever gone through. Phone calls or texts shared with my family members or best friends definitely helped me survive out there in the real world. In 2017 I will continue to call my mom and dad every week (you're welcome), and I will continue to keep in touch with those that mean the most to me.
10. Learning that the past is the past, and it is about time to move on.
I will forever remember the memories of elementary, middle school, and high school, but now it is time for college and the life that I have in front of me. It would be amazing to have all of my old best friends at college with me, but now it is time to think about all of the new friends that I already have with me. In 2017 I will move forward and look towards the future, but I will always remember the people and memories that have carried me this far.
