When I first started writing for the Odyssey, I sent in an article titled “11 Things I Learned in My First Semester in College."

Now at the close of my second semester, I look back at my experience as a whole and recognize that I have learned a slew of things, about not only life in general but myself. First semester proved to be more mentally taxing than the second, but I am equally as thankful for what each as taught me.

That being said, here is a handful of things I learned in my overall first year of college.

1. Master the art of not caring what people think of you.

If you dwell too much on other people’s opinion of how you are living your life, you will exhaust yourself. Who really cares what other people think, anyways? As long as you are happy, all is well. As a big people pleaser, this concept initially came difficult to me. I’ve always wanted to make everyone happy, but naturally, this is impossible. Being introduced to an entirely new influx of people different than the ones I had known relatively my whole life taught me that I cannot please everyone. And that’s okay.

2. Say "yes" more.

I’m definitely an introvert, and I love to stay in and kind of just do my own thing. While this is ok a percentage of the time, it’s (obviously) important to say “yes” to friends’ invitations to go out and do things. These are the memories you will remember forever from your college years. All those late-night Target runs, froyo outings, and spontaneous adventures with friends will be the moments you remember. Study hard, but make some memories, too.

3. Venture outside of your comfort zone.

The greatest opportunities will not be found within your comfort zone. First semester, I applied to an internship that I thought I would never get. I am incredibly grateful for the bit of courage I had in applying, because my co-workers are such amazing people, and I love working with them. The internship is a fun way to break up the flow of schoolwork, and this is just one example from my life that illustrates the benefits of venturing outside your comfort zone.

4. Be easy on yourself.

Don’t ever compare your freshman year to anyone else’s. Everyone has a different experience and learns different things. Some people thrive from the beginning, some of us take a little bit of time to adjust. Some people have known their major since 2^nd grade, some of us figure it out a good while later. Give yourself what you need. If you need a break from people, go to your car and chill. If you need sleep, then sleep. If you need to expel stress, workout or take a break.

5. Take it all in.

I thought my senior year of high school flew by, but nothing prepared me for my freshman year. Time really flies, as cliché as it sounds. Don’t blink or wish moments away. This is the only time of your life you can be independent without having ~adult~ responsibilities. Savor it.

6. Trust the process.

This goes for a lot of things. Trust that you will find a major you love. Trust that you will grow as a person. Trust that you will find incredible friends. Trust that your studying and efforts will pay off. Just trust that good will come, you just have to be patient.

I’m still learning a lot, but this is what I’ve got so far. Big shout out to the University of Georgia and the people who fill it.