If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten. This summer, I decided I didn’t want what I've always gotten, so I did things I've never done. I got productive. I studied abroad in Italy, I got a job, I started a blog. All of these things proved to be enriching experiences that allowed me to expand my knowledge.

So here are things I’ve learned this summer that I wish I knew sooner.

1. You are not your letters:

Although the Greek organization you are a member of says a lot about your character, it is not the only thing that defines you. Being an Aephi is a huge part of my college life, and it’s a sorority I am proud to represent, but I’m not just an Aephi, I'm a lot more than that.

When I went to Italy through UF and had the opportunity to meet students I probably wouldn’t have known otherwise, I was able to see how the activities I’m involved in have shaped me as a student but have also hindered my ability to expand my social circle. We should all make sure to set our Greek letters aside every once in a while and meet people involved in other things on campus.

2. If you want to be in the top 1 percent you have to expect 99 percent of people to disagree with you:

College is fun and parties are fun. But I’m over that phase. Although the level of professionalism I have strived to achieve this summer is not common among the people my age, that doesn’t make me abnormal. I refuse to be average. This school year, I'll focus a lot more on academics and extracurriculars and a lot less on being facey.

3. Change is everything:

My absolute favorite quote from "Grey’s Anatomy"—"Change. We don’t like it. We fear it. But we can’t stop it from coming. We either adapt to change or we get left behind. It hurts to grow. Anybody who tells you it doesn’t is lying. But here’s the truth. Sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same. And sometimes change is good. Sometimes change is everything.” Peace, love, Shonda Rhimes.

4. You are whom you frequent:

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future. Aside from being in my Instagram biography, this statement is so true.

Part of the reason why I love my Italy friends and my work friends is that without leaving my little circle of friends and “safety blanket” I would never have been able to experience the level of growth and acceptance I’ve developed this summer.

5. Commit now, figure it out later:

When I went to a work conference in Atlanta at the end of July, I learned that it’s okay to commit to something and then figure out later on how you’re going to accomplish the thing you promised to do. It’s okay to not be sure how you will achieve something, as long as you work hard enough and devote time and effort to it.

Eventually, things fall into place.