17 Lessons I Learned From 2017
Start writing a post
Student Life

17 Lessons I Learned From 2017

2017 has been filled with new experiences, new people, and a whole lot of new memories.

477
17 Lessons I Learned From 2017
Ally Lasch

Happy new year! 2017 has been filled with new experiences, new people, and a whole lot of new memories. I am so thankful to have experienced the things I have and go to college here at Alabama.

During 2017, I have learned that:

1. It's OK to make mistakes.

Making mistakes is a part of life. It helps you learn from different situations and aim towards making the right decision the next time.

2. Family should ALWAYS come first.

This is so important. Call them, spend time with them as much as you can, and pray for them! Family is forever, they’re not going anywhere!

3. Also, call your relatives.

Grandparents and relatives are so important as well. Give them a call, I promise you it will make their day. Never take for granted the family and extended family you have.

4. Don't delete pictures.

A picture really is worth a thousand words. Don’t delete them! It is so fun to look back on those sunny vacations to the beach, throwbacks from early childhood, or just cute pictures of you and your best friends.

5. Make new friends.

Your very best friends will always be there, but don't forget to make new friends along the way. This doesn’t mean you need to change your friend group all the time, but making friends changes perspectives and starts new memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.

6. Turn off social media once in a while.

Yes, this can be very challenging. With Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat always refreshing, it's hard to stay away! Even if it's just an hour without the distraction of a phone, this can help clear your mind and have actual encounters with those around you. Easier said than done but worth a try.

7. You learn who your real friends are.

Keep those true friends that support you no matter what, are there for you in your worst and best times, and know you the best. Surrounding yourself with these kinds of people is healthy for you, and those around you.

8. Hard work pays off.

It does! If you work hard at something and are determined to achieve that goal or passion, you are most likely going to succeed. Keep pushing through, it will be worth it in the end.

9. Taking time for yourself is equally as important as being with others.

I learned this especially in my first semester of college. College is such a fun time with different friends, experiences, and memories that keep you so busy. So saying that, it is also important to take time for yourself. You deserve it!

10. Accepting constructive criticism.

This is something that I have always struggled with. But I always tell myself, those people giving me the advice or constructive criticism are only trying to help. They’re shaping me into a better person, no matter what!

11. Don't procrastinate.

Get stuff done! Be prompt with everything you do and stay accountable for your plans and goals at hand.

12. But also, take things one day at a time.

It's so easy to get caught up in a million things that need to get done; take things slow and it is bound to work out in the end.

13. Visit new places.

Go outside of your comfort zone! Explore different things, see new places.

14. Set goals.

If you have nothing to work towards, where are you going?

15. Parents are forever.

No, parents are not just for getting groceries, making dinner and booking your dentist appointment for you. They are there for you through every aspect of your life whether you like it or not. They are there to support you, care for you and most of all, love you.

16. Always trust your gut.

Go with your gut, your first instinct.

17. Everything happens for a reason.

A motto I have lived by for quite sometime. It comes in to play whatever I am doing. I find myself always repeating this phrase in my head. People change, things don’t always go your way. But good things are in store for the future.

Welcome to 2018!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58233
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37513
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959144
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193082
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments