During my first semester of college I went through many highs and lows; however, I did learn some life lessons that I can carry on through the rest of my first year:

1. Love comes in many forms.

I met my current boyfriend by accident and I now consider him the love of my life. I also found a new kind of unconditional love for my parents and my dogs because I can finally see what kind of life experiences they have all been preparing me for.

2. Friends will come from all walks of Earth.

Two days after I moved in, my roommate and I craved salsa from our fridge. We both were unable to open the jar, so we started asking our hall neighbors to open it for us. One of the guys who lived across the hall was originally from China before living with a host family in Michigan for several years and he was the only one who was able to open our jar. I never would have guessed that the guy who opened my salsa jar would end up becoming one of my closest friends at school, let alone the fact that his home is halfway across the planet.

3. C's really do get degrees.

Even though my grades are one of the most important things to me, I finally understand that as long as you pass the class, you will be alright.

4. My freshman year roommate is not obligated to be my best friend.

Living with another person takes commitment and communication, two things as freshman we had to learn through the good times and the bad. However, just because we live together doesn't mean we have to always get along. It just means we have to cooperate with each other like a partnership rather than a relationship.

5. A "social life" isn't what it's all cracked up to be.

The social life of a college teen is not what they show you in movies. The real social life everyone experiences is full of happiness and sadness, nothing drastically different from the social life of a high schooler -- just minus all of the drama. However, I would say that the connections you make with people are more meaningful and deep than ever before if you play your cards right. Just remember: what the movies show you about college (drinking, partying, etc.) is the social life that can easily be overrated.

6. I've been taking freedom for granted.

I never realized that the true definition of freedom includes sacrificing your time to keep things tidy and to get your work done. As a younger teen, I always wanted to be free and on my own so I would be able to do whatever I set my mind to, but now I can see that freedom means sacrifice.

7. The stress will all be worth it in the end.

Even though there were restless nights, roommate arguments, and falling grades at times, it made me even more thankful for the constants in my life. It made me thankful for the good times and the great people and community around me and it showed me that through every bad time, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.