What is more popularly known today as the "Freshman 15" was originally known as the "Freshman 10." Using either number, the myth tells first-year college students that they are destined to gain weight because of the change in lifestyle they are about to partake in. As it did for me, this mindset often curtails college freshmen into being more conscious of their food intake and exercise regiment. However, despite this, it became apparent at the end of my freshman year of college that I did gain the "Freshman 10" - just not in the traditional sense. I found that, instead, I gained 10 lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

1. Feed yourself.

One of the realest struggles I faced throughout my first year was finding a way to balance academics, student organizations, work, friends, family and "me time." I knew that getting my school work done, attending work and organization meetings, and maintaining relationships were all important. However, one category often managed to slip my mind -- me. It was easy to forget that I needed to be taken care of in the midst of taking care of 110 other things. Once I started setting time aside for myself, though, the quality of everything else I was doing seemed to improve, as well.

2. Positivity is powerful.

The lens through which we see the world has the ability to dictate how we choose to respond to situations in our lives. Everyday is full of blessings and moments to be grateful for when we choose to see them that way. The smallest acts can have the greatest impact when we alter our perspective to appreciate what we are given. Whether it is a moment when a friend had your back, or merely that FoodBar served pasta for dinner-- every moment can be positive if we allow it to be.

3. Be the roommate you'd like to have.

Before I met my roommates during move-in, I was a little nervous that living with them was going to be difficult. Though, as the year progressed, I realized that I potentially had some of the greatest roommates ever. The trick was to simply do for each other what you would want them to do for you -- whether it was doing someone else's dishes, singing obnoxiously together at random times, entering the suite quietly past 10 p.m., or just being there for a hug after a hard day.

4. Pursue your passions.

After participating in numerous clubs in high school, it was easy to go to college and want to do the same thing. I signed up for more organizations than I could count the first week, dropped close to 70% of them after the first meeting, and then finally settled on the few I thought I would enjoy. What I didn't realize was that some of the organizations I chose didn't match my passions. Whereas I looked forward to meeting with clubs that I loved, I dreaded the ones that I didn't. Connecting with my passions was key to my success in organizational involvement.

5. Different can still be equal.

A lesson I had to learn very quickly was that "different" was not synonymous with "less than" or "greater than." Living with 2 international students, sitting in classes with people who spoke 2 or more languages, and passing through events hosted by multi-cultural organizations all showed me just how little I was actually aware of. It became apparent that I had a lot to learn, and fortunately people were willing to share. By the end of the year, I discovered new words, new dances, new songs, and -- best of all -- new people.

6. When making friends, quality beats quantity.

This is one that I started to learn in high school, but became more solidified in college. It's really easy to get caught up in finding lots of friends and trying to feel "popular." However, a whole lot of awful friends will never measure up to a few truly amazing friends. I've realized it's important to be intentional with who I invest in, and making sure those are the same people that choose to invest in me. Knowing a lot of people and having a strong network is always great, but those few people that had my back no matter what are who got me through my freshman year.

7. Know your values and stick to them.

Starting college, I found there were a lot of opportunities to try new things and become a new version of myself. Since the people I met there didn't know me or what I stood for, there were many times where I was faced with conversations or offers I wasn't comfortable with. It was only through being confident and secure in what I believed in that I was able to remain true to who I am. Had I not known what it was that I valued, I would have never been able to stand up for it. Knowing what your values are is just as important as what you do with them.

8. Ask questions!

If you're confused in the classroom, lost on your way to class, or wondering what the best thing to eat on campus is -- the best way to learn is to ask. When you take the initiative to reach out and ask the question, chances are you'll get a helpful response. The best thing to keep in mind: You'll never know if you don't ask.

9. "If everything is important, then nothing is important."

Prioritizing what actually matters is a difficult process to go through. By saying that one thing is important, we're automatically saying that something else is less important. However, by doing this, we relieve a lot of stress. Recognizing that your room doesn't need to be cleaned right now allows you to focus more on the essay that's due in two hours.

10. If you appreciate someone, tell them.

In my first year of college, I met a lot of people that influenced me in a lot of ways. The people that always stood out to me, though, were those that made me feel valued. I began to appreciate them more because of the way they appreciated me. A simple "thank you" had the power to change my day, whether it was giving or receiving it. Letting people know their existence is worthwhile may mean more than you know.