As this year (somehow) comes to a close, I begin to look back and think to myself what all has changed in my life this past year, and everything that I've learned. I can't name every single thing that 2016 has taught me, but I know there sure are quite a few things and I would like to share them with you because maybe they also changed for you too.

2016 has taught me...

1. If you attempt to put in effort to love your college town even when you miss home, you soon will fall in love with it.

2. Girls can be catty and dramatic, so when all else fails, find some good guy friends you can always count on.

3. At the end of the day one more cookie or one more scoop of ice cream really won't do much, so just eat it anyway.

4. Growing up is scary but you have to take it one day at a time and know God is hanging with you.

5. Any nap is a good nap, even if it's 5 minutes on the bus to campus.

6. Grocery shopping without your mom might give you an anxiety attack the first few times you go by yourself, so always take a friend.

7. Mom and dad were right when they said eating out here and there catches up with you money-wise and weight-wise.

8. Even when you go into the grocery store with a list, plan to have 5 additional items that were NOT on your list originally.

9. It's okay to be single and just focus on yourself.

10. When you think no one else is with you or on your side, you have to know that God is always there and you're never alone.

11. Don't always listen to everyone else's opinion about someone before you even have the opportunity to meet them; they could surprise you.

12. Be friends with people who also want to be friends with you and care about you.

13. If you feel like a friendship is failing, then try harder, and if the other person is giving no effort, than maybe it is time to cut ties.

14. Take risks and do things that you normally do not do, or would never do.

15. Live your life and don't let anyone stop you for any reason.

2016 has been quite a year for me in many ways. All in all, it has been a good one, and God continues to work in my life. I am so glad I have personally changed over the year for the better. I am so thankful for all of the new relationships I have formed this year, and for the relationships that continued to grow throughout this year. With that said, I am so excited to see what 2017 holds for me and the excitement to come!