I am to blame when it comes to over-thinking situations, which ultimately wastes my time instead of allowing myself to move forward from feeling completely suffocated by my to-do list. My life, especially being in college, is filled with cramming homework, lack of sleep, unhealthy eating, desire to not miss out with what my friends are doing, and missing my family back home. I have come to an understanding that hey, there are not enough hours in the day to accmomplish every single thing that needs to be done but, IT'S OK!

We need to prioritize the important things in life and realize school for what it is, a learning experience. Failure is helpful, success is awesome, doubt is scary, and regret is mournful. So look at your list for the day, take a deep breath and remember a few things:

1. You can only do your best

It seems so simple, but yet it is. One of the best advice I have gotten from my mom is when she told me, "your best, is all you can give and if it's not good enough, that should not let you think less of yourself. You give your best, and thats all anyone can ask of you. No one can be disappointed for your best, it's all you've got. Results might not be what was expected, but there is always room for improvement and that life is about." Remember that you can always keep working at something if you want it bad enough.

2. Failure does not define who you are

Getting a bad grade on a test that you studied very hard for, is one of the most frustrating things to have to accept. Not getting the internship or job you were hoping for, does not mean you are not good enough. These experiences, help you grow and learn as a person. I did not get hired at an internship I was interested in, but two weeks later I got hired at a PR firm that could not be a better fit for me. So guess what, things do happen for a reason, you have to trust yourself. Do not give up on yourself, failure is actually a good thing, it makes you learn so much about yourself.

3. You come first

At the end of the day, you are forming your own future, not your friends, not your parents. Make sure you are happy at the school you attend, enjoy the major you are working towards, and have friends that make you a better person. You come first. You need to make sure you are allowing yourself a path that you are proud of. If you are unhappy and unhealthy, you need to allow yourself to think about what you value and the person you want to be. There is nothing wrong realizing you need change. This is your life, your dream, make it count.

4. Live in the moment

Obviously, us college students are at school to get good grades, a degree and to make our parents proud of the hard work you have put in. But honestly, you do not want to look back and say that you did not enjoy the only time to you get to take these sort of chances in life. Nothing makes my family happier than wanting to go back to school after holiday breaks. Nothing makes my mom more proud than hearing the friendships I have formed in college. Seriously, I have found future bridesmaids. You do not want to regret not taking chances and meeting people that can change your life. I am not saying grades are not important, but forming friendships and allowing yourself to let loose once and awhile is good for you.

5. Appreciate how hard you work

College is hard! Do not let anyone tell you that it is not. Praise yourself for getting through what is challenging you every single day. Whether you are in college, working, or lucky enough to travel the world, everyone is getting through struggles, sometimes you don't even realize. If you get a good grade on a test, hang it up. If you get a compliment on something you did, tell someone! It feels good to let people know you have accomplished something that you worked so hard at.

6. You can't take back time

Move on. Although it is okay to understand situations that make you upset, you can not dwell on them. This is hard for me because I always feel worse than I need to . All we can do is accept the good and bad that happen in life and make room for what is to come. We all make mistakes, and we have to learn from them. Although it is hard to forget, forgiving people in life is very important, I have learned the hard way. No one can take back things that they have done back, but seeing them for what they are, makes you such a mature person. Don't waste this precious time we have by hating one another.

7. Return the favor

Always be the person looking out for another, because you would want someone to do the same for you. It pays off in life to be nice to one another. If someone sneezes say bless you (ugh, total pet peeve). If someone drops money, give it back to them. You will gain so much respect from other people, by just being a good person. The people that you are meeting in your life right now, could give you a job someday, be your boss, or even marry you. You want to make sure that how you are acting is how you would want people to talk about you to other people. Don't depend on someone else to do something good. You are totally capable of making a difference in someone's day and what better feeling than someone having your back.

8. Never be afraid to ask for help

Life is the longest roller coaster you will ever be on and nope sorry you are not given the chance to get off. Wanting advice is so helpful when we feel alone in life. Someone might have gone through the same thing as you, but no one feels it the same way. We all cope differently. It’s okay to feel like you need help because admitting it is so courageous. I do not like pouring my problems and feelings out to someone. But guess what, every time I do, I feel SO much better. There are so many people who can help you get on the right track. It can be scary, but getting help Is the first step to a better way of life.

9. Have fun

You never get to have your college experience back. It is so easy to take life for granted, so look around right now and think about what you have. Appreciate the opportunity you have been given, the friends you have made, and the family you have to support you. I bet if you ask your parents about their college experience, the first story they would tell you is not about the grade they got on an exam. This is your time to not be tied down with certain obligations you will face in the near future. I don’t know about you, but I am going to take what I have left and never let an opportunity pass me by.

10. Be there

So far in life, the most important thing I have learned is to be there for one another. Everyone is going to have things happen in their life that is unexpected, it's what comes along with life. Seriously, I cannot express how much of a difference it makes when you have support from your friends. Your family is always going to be there for you, but having your friends advice and comfort is such a blessing. Stay in with a friend if he/she needs you. You have so many more opportunities to go out, but one chance to be there for someone in a time of need. If you have a test the next day, put your book down, and be there for your friend. You will regret not being there for him/her if you don't.