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

17 Lessons I Learned in 2017

2017 was filled with ups and downs but I certainly learned a lot.

240
17 Lessons I Learned in 2017
Elisa Riva

2017 was definitely a roller coaster ride. So many things happened very quickly and then it all disappeared in the blink of an eye. Just a year ago I had yet to hear from the University of Maryland and I was still in high school, without knowing where I was going to end up. Since then, I’ve learned so much about myself and about what is important in life. It may be cliché but every step of this year taught me something new. I’ve grown closer to my home friends through important events such as prom and graduation. I’ve learned more about myself as I committed to college, completed my first semester, and made new friends for life. Even the summer between finishing high school and starting college taught me some of the more important lessons of all. Overall, 2017 will be a year to remember.


Here are just 17 of the lessons I’ve learned in 2017:

1. Ask for what you want

2. Say what you mean

The only way to get what you want is to say what you mean. Unfortunately, I’ve learned this the hard way because I was too afraid to ruin a moment. I know now that I will be much happier if I am able to say what I want instead of just agreeing to what the other person is saying.


3. Stand up for yourself

4. A few friends are better than fake friends

Between high school friend drama towards the end of the school year and making friends first semester, this was a year about learning who my true friends are. True friends stick by your side, check in on your life and make sure to be inclusive. I am so grateful for the friends (old and new) who are there for me through the good times and the bad.


5. Just because you are at a party, doesn't mean that your problems will go away (and don't stay at a party for other people, stay because you want to)

6. It’s okay to treat others how they treat you because sometimes that’s the only way they understand how you felt

“Treat others the way you want to be treated” is a statement that has been ingrained in my head since elementary school. Believe me when I say that I hate being exclusive or hurting other people’s feelings but sometimes having a backbone is the most important thing of all.


7. Throw the party, it’s worth the clean up

8. Don’t allow others to be embarrassed to be with you

9. Family is the most important thing of all

10. Your worth isn’t defined by a Snapchat streak

Social media in the 21st century has become compulsive and controlling, but it is important to remind yourself that a number does not define you or your friendships with other people.


11. Don’t let one person ruin something you enjoy doing with a lot of people


12. If you like it, do it

I have always enjoyed writing but I finally took the leap this year when I started writing for the Odyssey. I am so grateful that I’ve found a place where I can write about whatever I want to write about and have a platform to publish it on.


13. Just because you don’t talk everyday, doesn’t mean you aren’t friends

14. Taking your time with an important decision doesn’t make you indecisive, it makes you thoughtful

15. No matter the answer, send the text. It’ll feel better than wondering “what if”

16. True friends are the ones who allow you to cry about the same thing over and over again and still give you advice

If your friends get annoyed with you for coming to them for advice for the same problem more than once, chances are they aren’t good friends. Thankfully, I have found true friends who do not care if I tell them the same story or complain about the same problem day after day.


17. Letting go is the only way to move forward


While these weren't the only lessons I've learned in 2017, reflecting back, they are the important things that I am taking with me as 2018 begins. Hopefully they stick!



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.

58202
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?

37494
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.

959126
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.

193001
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