I am thoroughly convinced that I have the best grandmother in the world. I've lived with her for about four years now and just couldn't help but to share a little of Granny's wisdom. Just to clarify, she's like a decade younger than my friend's grandma's and is literally the sassiest woman that I know. Along with never wearing suede shoes in the summer and learning how to use so many coupons that Kohls ends up owing you money, here are the six things that everyone could learn from my grandma.

1. Family comes first.

Grandma is the glue that holds my family together. I am extremely lucky to say that I come from a family of strong women. My grandma has worked hard her whole life teaching school and raising our family, and now volunteering at the hospital. She always makes time to be with us and makes sure that she knows what is going on in everyone's lives. While her questions sometimes come off as super nosey (sorry, Grandma), everyone knows that she just cares and wants to stay updated in everyone's lives.

2. Enjoy college while it lasts.

My favorite fun fact about my grandma is that her mom (great grandma) made her come home after her first year away at school because she partied just a little too hard. Needless to say, Gran understands what it's like to be in college. Being a teacher, however, she also knows how important it is to stay on top of school work. Grandma has helped me to find ways to keep my grades up while still enjoying (maybe a little too much at times) the social aspect of being away at school. We're talking about the woman who cleaned puke off of my Ugg boots, no questions asked, my freshman year. I owe you one, Grandma.

3. Do not rely on anyone else to make you happy.

My grandma is one of the most independent people I know. While my grandparents have been married for almost 50 years now, she has always taught me that I will be just fine with or without a relationship. Whenever I would have boy problems in high school, she would always remind me that I did not need to know who or what I wanted and that this was the time to figure things out. She has encouraged me to be strong and independent and I am so grateful for that.

4. Find something you love and pursue it.

While I'll be honest and say that she wasn't too excited about me being a theatre major, coming from a family of teachers, she has always been nothing but supportive not only with theatre but with literally every commitment that I've made. There isn't a performance, or a parent-teacher conference, or a gymnastics meet, or a football game, or a sorority function that she's missed. I can not express how grateful I am to have come from such a supportive family who always trusts my judgement and encourages me to do whatever I set my mind to.

5. It is better to give than to receive.

Granny is one of the most generous people I have ever met. She may have a rough exterior, but the second anyone needs something, she is the person that they know they can call. She is the kind of person to go above and beyond for anyone, and does not need to brag and tell everyone about the kind things that she does. She understands that actions speak louder than words, and knows that it is better to give than to receive.

6. Don't rely on the praise of someone else.

Growing up, I always felt that my grandma was being hard on me. Even now, when I tell her good news and don't get that over the top reaction that I want, I get a little disheartened. In reality, you're not going to get praise for every little thing that you do in life. You have to work hard and become successful for yourself, not so that others will praise you and tell you what a great job you have done. This is one of the best lessons that I have learned from her.

So thank you, grandma. I would absolutely not be the person that I am today without your constant "nagging" and words of wisdom.