The day I graduated high school I thought I had a pretty good grip on who I was as a person. I also thought I knew a lot about how to handle myself (socially and otherwise.) The next year and a half were a wild ride. I learned more about myself and have really flourished into the adult I want to become. Here are some things I’ve learned about myself since graduating high school.

1. You don't lose best friends because of distance

I was really worried that my best friend and I would lose contact, but I realized that you don’t need to see someone every single day to still be close friends.

2. I have poor time management skills

This one was blatantly obvious from the beginning but I am just now actively trying to work on it. This isn't just about school work either, it happens with everything I do.

3. I thrive off of being with people

I used to think that the best thing in the world was sitting in my room completely alone. Then I shared a room with someone for a year and realized that sitting silently with company can be just as soothing as being alone.

4. I LOVE WALKS

After moving to an area where walking is the preferred method of transportation I have grown very fond of taking long walks and chatting with friends. It's good for you both physically and mentally.

5. I should have been more appreciative of my mother doing my laundry for 18 years

Laundry sucks and I put it off until the last minute (see #2.) First, you have to collect the clothes (no big deal), then you have to transport said clothes down multiple flights of stair only to find that ALL OF THE WASHERS ARE FULL. Once the clothes eventually get cleaned and dried then you have to fold them, if you're feeling it (and I typically am not.)

6. I genuinely do not know how to cook.

When I found out I was going to have a kitchen this year I was very excited, little did I know all I can cook is spaghetti and tacos. It has been a very bland pasta filled year so far and it's probably not going to change soon.

7. Playing off of #6, my body can live off of Spaghettios for 2 straight months

It wasn't pretty but I did it. Last year I had a roommate which helped me eat at normal eating hours and a dining hall that provided proper food. Now I wait until the last minute to eat and also have no proper food to cook.

8. I miss my dogs more than I thought I would

Sometimes more than my own family (can I say that?) I make my sister send me daily pictures and videos of her with the dogs and have a weekly Facetime to let them know I still love them.

9. And finally, Moe’s Southwest Grill is the absolute love of my life

Sign me up for a Joey chicken and a side of queso any day, any time.

I’m only halfway done so I am looking forward to learning more new things about myself over the next two years.