1. The world is a lot bigger than I imagined. 

I began this year traveling with my family before my semester abroad and met family that I did not even know I had. During my semester abroad, I made friends with people all over the world, and I saw so much in cities and towns and beaches that I cannot even begin to describe the love and wonder I feel for the world.

2. ...but also smaller than I'd ever believe. 

All those friends I made abroad? Well, sometimes they know each other, and crossing paths with them more than a couple times blew my mind. There are casual connections all over the world, and it makes going about the big wide world a little less daunting.

3. Believe in and always carpe diem. 

Each and everyday is unique and special, and I've learned to always make the most of the time I have. If it's a sunny day, I try to eat lunch outside. If it's a rainy day, I try to stay inside and get work done.

4. Be nice to others.

Honestly, it doesn't take too much effort to smile and wave every so often. If someone is being not nice, I try not hold it against them and take it personally because I don't need their negativity to influence me.

5. Take pictures, but don't forget about the present. 

My mom is one of those moms who is always taking pictures. After traveling on my own, I understand why pictures are so important, but I'm learning to balance taking pictures to capture the moment, but not to the point where pictures get in the way of the moment itself.

6. Just go for it. 

For anything that was outside of my comfort zone, I took a deep breath and decided to go for it. And there have been a couple unfortunate moments, but for the majority of situations, I thrived and made it worth it.

7. Investing in myself is the best move. Always. 

This goes for more than self-care. This includes the whole package: self-care, taking an interesting class, reading a non required book, watching a cool documentary on Netflix- basically anything you want that helps you grow as a person.

8. Invest in relationships. 

If I'm in a rush somewhere, but someone I haven't seen for awhile stops me to say hi, I slow down and take a break to talk to them because you never know when the next time you'll both have a little time to spare is.

9. Not all boys are trash. 

Contrary to the common belief, not all guys are mean with bad intentions. I'm extra grateful for the special guy I have in my life to keep me grounded and inspired.

10. Take advantage of time. 

I'm realizing more and more that I am so lucky to not have real adult responsibilities, a healthy body and mind, and a lot of time to make the most of.

11. Everyone needs to have their wild phase. 

I really dislike when people think they're better because they stay in and study on Friday nights, or they judge others for making a decision they don't agree with. This ties in with number 12, but some people want and need to have their wild phase. With balance and caution, this usually leads to great memories and friendships.

12. Let people live their lives. 

I used to be pretty bad with judging others, and there are still times that I fall back into that pattern. But college has taught me that everyone is just living their own life, making the best of what they have and struggling along like everyone else, so we just have to let people do what they wish.

13. Have a go-to playlist or a few. 

Over the summer, I consolidated my playlists into ones that fit certain moods, and it saves a lot of time now, for when I am feeling one way, I know that I have a playlist to fit the vibe that I want.

14. Working out is painful but NECESSARY. 

Physical activity should be a priority in college. It's easy to get bogged down in homework, late night studies, late night snacking, and drinking, so every minute spent in the gym or outside is helpful.

15. Cutting out unhealthy food can make a real difference. 

This past semester I did my best to cut out caffeine and greasy food, and I can not only see, but feel a real difference. I don't feel bloated or reliant on coffee, and it's something I'm really going to try and stick to in the future.

16. Showing up to class can make a real difference. 

There were so many times rolling out of bed at 7:50 after hitting snooze three times I just did not want to go to my 8:30 class. But I remind myself or sometimes someone else has to remind me that these are classes I PAID for and NEED to pass, and it's important to my reputation to make the effort to just brush my teeth and go.

17. Be proactive. 

I've been keeping to a decent sleep schedule (when it's a normal week and not a week I have an accounting test), so during the day, I try to be on the move always. If I'm not on my way to the gym, I'm on my way to get homework done somewhere. I've learned that it makes a really big difference if I start an assignment right away or early, so I try to be proactive and just get things done.

18. Live your best life. 

Most importantly, no matter what drama is happening, no matter who is texting me or not texting me back, no matter what assignments and tests are coming up, I've learned that in the end, I have to live my best life because I know it will always make me happy, knowing that I am doing my best and thriving in anyway that I can.