Before my freshman year, I couldn't have been more excited to break free of my small-town lifestyle where I was surrounded by people and places that have always been familiar to me, so I could embark on a brand new adventure and explore new territory and make my mark on the world. However, as my freshman year draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on what a journey it has been. My first year in college started off really differently than I had prepared for. I was forced to charter rocky and completely unexpected territory all on my own.

My "plan" could not have fallen further off the tracks. I was very depressed for a while, and I felt lonely. I suddenly missed the community feel of Agoura Hills, the close-knit relationship I shared with my family, and the comfort of my old routine. However, I knew that I couldn't stay sad forever because I truly believe that everything happens for a reason.

So, summoning every ounce of courage within me, I decided to pick up the pieces and make the most of my college experience. I joined organizations that aligned with my interests. I made amazing and lifelong friends. I attained internship after internship, and kept myself busy. All in all, my first year of college has been the most profound learning experience of my life. I wouldn't change any of it for the world, because it's made me the person I am today. I am so excited to experience my remaining college years with great friends by my side, and I am so thankful for everyone who helped make my freshman year all that it was and more.

Here are a few things that I can take away from the most influential time of my life thus far:

1. Know who your true friends are, and don't give your time to people who don't have your true interests at heart.

College, and life for that matter is too special to waste your time on people who aren't genuine. Although it's nice to entertain the idea that people change and grow up, they don't. You're still going to find fake people in college who talk behind your back and turn out to not be who you thought they were. But, the best thing to do is realize that it's not you, it's them. You are amazing and you're an awesome human being. Not everyone will want to be your best friend, and that's OK. Surround yourself with people who care about your well-being, and everything will be more than OK.

2. Say yes more often than you say no.

Opportunities come almost every minute. It could be as simple as a friend asking you to go to a party, or it could be a professor extending an invitation to attend his/her office hours. I'm telling you, do not turn these down. As cheesy as it is, you only have one life to live, and one college experience to call your own. Of course it's OK to have Netflix nights and not go to class every once in a while. But just don't ever forget that these four years are the ideal time for you to enjoy your youth, take risks, accept challenges, and find yourself. So when a window opens, jump in and never look back, because it couldn't be more true that one opportunity leads to another. Involve yourself, try new things, and graduate having no regrets or thoughts of what could have been. All in all, live in the moment. And who knows? Sometimes, the worst decisions with your favorite people make for the greatest memories.

3. Your grades aren't everything.

In my first quarter of college, I did exceedingly well. Because I was having trouble adjusting, I threw myself into my work, and it paid off. However, the next quarter I became extremely involved on campus. I did stuff for me, and I truly prioritized my well-being. Truth be told, my grades suffered as a result of this, but I have no regrets. College can be very hectic, stressful, and overwhelming.

It is a huge adjustment, and leaving home can and will affect you in both internal and external ways. So, take some time to focus on you. Take a lot of time. Seriously, however long it takes. Your grades don't need to be perfect. If you have a significantly lower GPA than you did in high school, it doesn't mean you're any less intelligent. It is essential to sleep a lot, exercise, binge watch Netflix, spend time with friends, call your family, and focus on you. Grades aren't everything. Try your best, but at the end of the day, always remember that your mental health comes first.

4. Balance your bank account.

"0-100 real quick" has never been more real, especially when your parents send you checks, and you're better than Taylor Swift did after becoming the most sold out artist ever to preform at the Staples Center. And then you go buy Chipotle. And ice cream. And alcohol. And online shop. And online shop some more. And pay for Ubers for all your friends because why not? Then suddenly, little by little, you realize that you blew through your cash in two weeks, and you're now living on $2.65, $67 in Aggie cash, and 30 swipes until your next pay day. May the odds be ever in your favor.

5. Call home.

No matter how scared you were to leave home, your mom was at least twice as terrified. For that matter, your family misses you more than you can ever even begin to imagine. So take the time to fill them in on what's going on. Through thick or thin, they want to be there to support you, be your shoulder to cry on, smile for your victories, and make sure you're confidently standing on your two feet. Let them experience this beautiful journey with you. Trust me, the highlight of my day is talking to my grandparents. They love hearing about the little things in my day, and I'm so excited to share it with them. When you talk with your family regularly, they suddenly don't seem so far away.

6. You'll realize that you may have taken things for granted in the past, and you now understand just how amazing your life is, and how blessed you are to have the people in it that you do.

I never knew how much I could miss home. To be honest, when I first got to college, I didn't allow myself to think about it, because I knew that it would be overwhelming. I didn't make an effort to stay in touch, I kept myself super busy, and essentially, I just tried to start over. But the truth is, no matter where you go in life, no matter what path you choose and where it takes you, you cannot ever forget where you came from. My roots define me, and I am so thankful for the well-rounded community of family and friends that made me who I am today. I guess it took moving 6 hours away to really acknowledge what I left behind, and how grateful I was to have had it.

7. You're going to grow up and mature, one way or another

The things that mattered to you in the fall will be so different than what you prioritize in the spring. In other words, a lot about you is going to change. But sometimes, change is good. In college, change is necessary. As your experiences make you more open-minded, the people you meet challenge you to see things differently, and as you learn more and expand your knowledge in truly fascinating ways, your personality is bound to alter. I know that mine did, but I'm really happy and proud of the person I have become, and I can honestly say I like myself better now than I did before. I'm proud of who I am, who my friends are, what I believe in, and where I'm going.

8. You'll find your person.

Throughout high school, and my life for that matter, I had my people, but I never had my person. Sure, I went through phases of having a certain best friend to cling to, but it was never really a long-term ordeal. But in college, within the first two weeks, I finally found someone I consider to be my older sister. I found my person. You know who you are, and thank you for always standing by me even though I'm really crazy sometimes. Thanks for your endless support, memories, making sure I'm okay, and being there for me always.

Thanks for making sure I get home safely when I'm not 100% sober yet, for introducing me to all of your really rad friends, inviting me places to do fun things, and for being the best part of my college experience. Side note: Sorry that I almost burnt your kitchen down when I attempted to make brownies, spilled wine on your carpet (even though it only ended up being the first of many) being a little too confrontational at times, and for letting me crash on your couch when times got tough. You're a real one.Perfect example of our friendship. Guess which one I am? ;)

9. Truth be told, you might succumb to some version of the Freshman 15, but its going to be okay.

In college, you learn early on that food is always available, any time of day, extremely close in proximity to wherever you may be. And I won't lie, it's tempting. Yet, when you try to choose healthy options at the Dining Commons, you forget that everything is cooked in butter and oil, so it's really not that much better. And then, if you become really strict, it will all go to waste when you indulge in animal fries on Saturday nights to sober up. So, I guess the best thing to do is enjoy yourself, be conscious of what you're eating, but don't let it consume you, because everything is fixable (including weight)!

10. College in a nutshell:

Taylor pretty much read our minds, yet again! College is a whirlwind of emotions, complications, and stress, but at the same time, it's wonderful, liberating, and one of the most rewarding experiences of your life! Perhaps the most important lesson that freshman year has taught me is that it's essential to look at everything objectively with an open-mind, and let the road take you where it will because everything happens for a reason, and everything will be okay. It really will.

11. You're going to have to take dumb GEs. We've all been there.

Three words: Myths and Legends.

(Just kidding, let me add a word: ABORT!)

We've all had to take super annoying and seemingly pointless classes, but hang in there because in most cases an A is easy to achieve without even showing up for many lectures!

12. You'll never work harder in your life than you do now.

When you're a student, there's always something hanging over your head, a deadline that haunts your every waking moment, and freedom during breaks is only a temporary relief. You're going to feel under pressure all the time, but in the end, it will all be worth it so just give it all you've got!

13. Don't be afraid to be yourself.

Look. Not everyone is going to want to be your best friend, no matter how nice you are to them. Plain and simple. It's a lesson that took me a long time to learn, but eventually, I did. And I know now that I'll attract people who genuinely care about my best interests and enjoy my company if I stay true to who I am.

14. When you're a Communications major and ask your super genius science-savvy friend how they can possibly survive majoring in Biology and they're just like:

Just like everyone has their strengths, everyone also has their weaknesses. This is what makes college such a beautifully diverse place! We all balance each other out by bringing something new to the table, essentially establishing a vibrant and simulating community. Personally, English comes easy and Biology is a huge joke, but for someone else, it can be completely reversed. So the best thing we can do is support one another and what he/she loves instead of questioning it!

15. This is just the beginning, so live in the moment, learn from your mistakes, and brace yourself for the road to come, because your future is brighter than you can possibly imagine.

Like Miley Cyrus said, "Life's a climb but the view is great." Well, so is college ;)