College is a highly influential time in anyone's life-personally growing them for the better or twisting them into someone they don't even recognize. Lucky for me, college has grown me personally and taught me a few lessons, and here are some of them.

10. Don't be ashamed of who you are.

The best people I have met have been the ones who live boldly, and who aren't afraid of people's opinions. Being an outspoken Christian, I have learned it is so important to be proud of my faith and who I am, and to live it daily. How else could people see Christ?

9. There is always someone smarter.

Growing up, I have always been among the elite intellects. I was top of my class several years, I was a participant in Harvard Model Congress, and I even graduated as 4th in my class. However, college has taught me that I will not always be the top. There will always be someone who is smarter than me. However, I continue to push myself to be at my best because although I may not be the absolute college best, I want to be my absolute best.

8. You don't have to be the stereotypical college kid.

A good friend once told me that you find what you look for in college. You want to party and neglect your studies? That's what you'll find. I seek success, and that is what I will find. Does that make me any less of a college student? No. I'm focused on my future.

7. Being studious is not being a buzzkill.

Yes, I do study heavily for my classes and take my work seriously. However, I am not a buzzkill. It is possible to be focused on your future and working toward it while having a good time. Being studious is not giving up your fun.

6. Confidence is key.

A huge component of success in college is confidence in yourself. If you do not believe that you may succeed in what you strive to do, you will find effort pointless, therefore only setting yourself up for failure. Your view of your own capability has enormous effect on your actual performance.

5. Sometimes, you just don't get it.

I have always felt dumb if I had to ask a question in class, often keeping me from doing so. However, college has taught me that I'm not going to always understand immediately, and sometimes questions are needed to get it. After all, I'm focused on success, not on other's opinions.

4. Participating in class discussions doesn't make you a nerd.

Yes, usually discussions are awkward- especially when very few people are participating. However, discussions can be counted as a portion of your grade, and enduring a few awkward moments is totally worth it when it effects your grade. Plus, discussions can become fun and very interesting if enough input is supplied.

3. Time is precious.

In the blink of an eye, we have grown into young adults, going to college and preparing for the future. Also in the blink of an eye, you may find yourself locked out of a classroom on a test day because you were one minute late. Either way you look at it, time is precious. Enjoy every moment, manage it well, and use it to its full potential.

2. Don't be afraid to meet new people.

College presents the opportunity to meet tons of people from tons of different places. Branch out, meet a few. You never know who you will have common interests with!

1. Make the most out of these years.

Just like high school, these years are short and will fly by before we know it. Use them. Make memories, make friends, enjoy life, and build a solid future for yourself. You'll thank yourself later.

Although I am in the first semester of my freshman year, college has already gifted me these lessons and used them to grow me as a person. I am excited to see what i learn in the years ahead!