We have all heard of the "Freshman 15" that inevitably happens when you're suddenly surrounded by unlimited carb-filled dining hall food that only requires a single swipe of a student ID card to obtain. As I near the end of my freshman year of college, I've been reflecting on all the ways my life has changed and I have grown. Yes, my legs have acquired some less-than-glamorous stretch marks that are a direct result of my meal plan, but I have grown in so many more ways than that.

First of all, I have learned that college is lonely. It is the epitome of being a small fish in a big, beautiful and intimidating pond. Everyone you meet seems to have it all together, all figured out — but I can guarantee you that they don't. Even the most popular of girls in your dorm that you idolize from a distance get lonely. She is human too. Leaving the town that built you isn't supposed to be an easy feat. It is not something you can use the "rip it off like a band-aid" method on. It takes time. It takes phone calls home to your mom while you're crying in bed on Friday night. And that's okay.

But I have also learned to let people in. It definitely took me a while, but once I gave these new, different people a chance, I have yet to regret it. They are not your friends from home, but you cannot expect them to be. I've made some of the absolute sweetest friendships this year, simply because I was pushed out of my comfort zone.

I've also come to realize how lucky I am. Although it's incredibly cliché, not everyone in the world has the chance to get an education. So often between classes, I sit by myself on campus and am overwhelmed at all of the opportunities that are at my fingertips. I can study whatever I want. College is one of the only places you can choose to be whatever you want to be. I came into college last semester as a business major (of all things) and am ending this one as a journalism major. But beyond majors, minors, clubs and organizations, you can be whatever kind of human you want to be. There is no one that can tell you otherwise. In the words of Cinderella, "Have courage and be kind."

I have also been reminded daily that comparison truly is the thief of joy. Comparison creeps into our minds and our hearts without an invitation and begins to take over. Kick him out. He is like an ex-boyfriend that won't leave you alone. Lock the door and throw away the key. It's hard to get rid of that toxic, pesky little guy, but I promise you it's worth it. No one is a perfect as they seem on Instagram. Life is messy and it is not always tons of "friends" and parties. There is pain and struggle everywhere, that just wouldn't get as many likes as a white-toothed grin and curled hair.

Lastly, I have learned to cling hard to truth above all else. Having a strong, solid relationship with Christ in college takes boldness and strength. It takes lots of failure and lots of faith. But just like any other challenge, it yields growth.

Freshman year of college was a roller coaster in so many ways to say the least, but the growth I experienced was unmatched. Take heart — accept challenges and unfamiliar territory with an open mind and heart. And last but not least, pace yourself in those dining halls.