This summer, I decided to stay at Warren Wilson and work. Going into the summer, I was unsure of how it was going to be. I was rooming with people I didn't know extremely well, I would be working 40 hours a week, and I would be an RA too, which meant going on rounds and doing relief duties. I was afraid of not getting along with people, of getting tired, and ultimately regretting spending the summer at college. In the end, this sum ended up being one of the best summers I have had. These are 5 things I learned this summer.

1. Sometimes the friends you make surprise you- in a good way!

I roomed with some people in a suite that I had never had prolonged contact with, and I was working with people I had never talked to before this summer. I have anxiety when it comes to talking to new people and that showed itself when I was interacting with new people. After opening myself up and being myself, I made friends that I never thought I would ever have. We ended up having lots of fun together, and we became somewhat of a family. I loved hanging out, getting dinner, and talking to so any new people and friends.

2. Along those same lines... Be yourself!

I always have the fear that people won't like me or will find me annoying because I can talk a lot and be very animated. This summer, as I mentioned, opened up more and started to just be myself. This allowed me to make new friends and connect with so many people.

3. I like to lead and problem solve

Since I was little, my teachers would always said was a natural leader, and now that I'm older, I can see that I really do like being a leader. On my work crews, I found myself leading others and trying to take control, and it taught me a lot about myself and how I interact with others. I also learned that I am a fixer, I like to come up with ways to fix things and solve problems but it also made me realize there are some things out of my control.

4. You can't please everybody

This summer, my jobs on recycling and conference required me to interact with lots of people from off campus. Some of those people were very considerate and easy going, and others had lots of problems for us to solve. A lot of people had lots of complaints about the college campus, and although it was frustrating, it taught me that you can't please everyone, and you have to roll with the punches. Not everyone is going to be happy, but you have to stay optimistic, be respect and do your job the best you can. It is also important to set boundaries and learn how to say no to people.

5. College is great, but home is great too

Since being in college, I have found a home at Warren Wilson. I spend a lot of time at college, and although I live close to my college, I barely go home. This summer, I went home a little bit more, and I realized how much I appreciate how simple it is being home.