I am getting really tired of stumbling over my words because I'm self conscious of what I'm saying. I'm tired of working hard to take up less space in a classroom, the dining hall, a restaurant. It's gotten to the point where I'd rather bite my tongue than say what's on my mind or what I'm passionate about just because I'm afraid of someone rolling their eyes or judging me for it. As I've gotten older, I've slowly learned to own the person that I am—the person I've become. Over the years, I've figured out certain things to help me embrace who I really am. Here's the list.

1. Take pride in your major.

I'm a creative writing major. More than that, my dream job is to become a famous poet. I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life, though, because my dream job isn't a realistic job. But it's what I love, so there.

2. It's OK to be weird sometimes.

I'm snarky, quirky, and loud. I've met some of my best friends through that weirdness and sass. Let it out sometimes, and good things will happen.

3. If you're doing what you love, who cares what people think?

I'm not gonna lie, fashion confuses me to the core. I'm happy wearing a t-shirt and jeans but apparently that makes me a hobo. Let's be honest, I'm never gonna be able to match that patterned blouse with the right pencil skirt.

4. Be friend with people that you want to spend the rest of your life around.

College is great because you're not stuck with the same people in every class. Find people with the same interests as you, the people that make you a better person, the people you actually want to spend time with.

5. It's OK to be single.

Being single is fun! You can embrace it, and really get to know yourself.

6. But, it's also OK to be in a relationship (or want to be in one).

Getting to know other people is fun too. You do you, boo.

7. Love yourself.

We don't have time to be anyone but ourselves. Embrace it.

Follow these nine steps, and I promise you that you'll feel more like yourself in not time. After all, why spend all your time apologizing for who you are, when you could just be living your life the way you actually want to be living it?