Unlike what seems to be the general consensus, 2017 was a great year for me. I did a lot of growing as a person and learned many lessons along the way. There has been many successes, failures, smiles, and tears, but nonetheless, I wouldn't change the way I went about anything.

1. Deciding to cut off the toxic person in your life may not be the easiest, but will definitely be worth it in the end.

Not all people deserve your time. Would you keep watering a dead plant?

2. WORKOUT. When you gain weight you will hate yourself and then complain about it.

Gaining weight is not joke, especially around the holidays. Go ahead and treat yourself, but make sure you hit the treadmill too.

3. Your significant other shouldn't be the main source of your happiness, but they can help you along the way.

Love yourself before you love them, but let them be your happiness of your saddest days. Just not everyday.

4. High school probably won't prepare you for college.

I thought I was so ready for college, but boy was I wrong. I reccommend taking a college course in the summer if you have the time/ can afford it. Plus, you should get credits for it!

5. Yeah.. so college is hard.

Coming from an honors student who had all A's in high school and now has all B's, college is hard. You won't have the same grades and that is okay. Just do your best work, always.

6. Don't let people walk all over you.

You're not a doormat. No is no.

7. Having a job will you teach you the value of a dollar.

Not having to rely on your parents for money is always great too, but it teaches you a way to manage your money and makes you think what's important and what isn't.

8. Change is GOOD.

Even if it scares the hell out of you, do it. I promise you, you won't regret it.

9. Once you stop looking for love, it will come to you.

I was so determined to find love and then I finally said f*ck it. The moment I said that the best thing walked into my life. Take it easy and delete your Tinder, he just wants to have sex with you anyways.

10. You don't need to please everyone.

At the end of the day who really cares what people think. Do what YOU want, not what your mom, dad, significant other wants. YOU.

11. Happiest girls are the prettiest.

Even if you're completley down in the dumps, find one thing to smile about each day. You'll look great doing it, and science proves that smiling will make you feel better.

12. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Swallow your pride and ask for the help you know you need. It will only be beneficial.

Entering 2018, I will bring all of these lessons with me. I am thrilled to see what the upcoming year has in store for me and all the new exciting things I will learn.