When you leave high school and venture out into college, many things change. You leave your parents for the first time, you begin to learn what it's like to live with other people, and you do not get home cooked meals often. But don't get me wrong, there are wonderful things that go along with all those new beginnings I just mentioned. College is what you make it. I am here to tell you what good things came out of the three changes I just mentioned.

1. What good comes out from leaving your parents for the first time?

There are many different good things that come out of leaving your parents for the first time. Personally, I have learned to be even more dependent than when I was living with my parents. For example, I can be shy when it comes to reaching out for help. I always had my parents present to ask for me or speak to the person I was nervous to speak to. However, this trait of dependency is one I've adapted. If there is something you should know about being a freshman in college, it is to ask for help and you'll be glad you did. For others, it can be different. Laundry is a big one. If you're the "adult" who put way too much soap in your laundry and are the reason there are bubbles floating out of the laundry room into the hall than I'm sure you have learned your lesson about how much soap should actually go in with your clothes. Truth be told, you have learned what not to do when washing your clothes and hopefully by the end of the semester can tell your parents you learned how to do laundry.

2. What does it really mean when someone says, "you learn to live with others"

Everyone has different experiences with learning to live with one another. Yes, you will come across some arguments here and there or some annoying things you both do that agitates the other, but you are still there for each other and are best friends. However, not everybody has a positive experience. Most people have heard at least one horror story about a roommate. I can't get into too much detail about the experiences my roommate and I have had with our other "roommates", but I will say we do not have much in common. What I can say is that you will learn to embrace the times you can sleep through the night without being bothered, and will roll with the punches.

3. The sad truth about not getting home cooked meals

Don't get me wrong, the dining halls are great. But nothing beats your favorite meal cooked my mom and dad. Last night, I had easy mac n cheese and ramen noodles for dinner as I sat in bed. I mean come on, how much more "college" stereotypical can that get. Oh, and if you think you won't gain the freshman fifteen, that is an absolute lie. You will, in some shape or form. I do it by eating dessert at lunch and at dinner the chefs really know how to make sweets. As much as I love the food here at college, and enjoy eating out when I can, it will never compare to my favorite home cooked meal made with love as my parents would say.

In fact, I choose to believe you can find something good in every situation. Even though high school doesn't prepare you for college, it is exciting to be on your own, make memories of all kind, and embrace the ride. It won't be easy, and you will make mistakes, but college is some of the best years of your life. Make the most of them.