I remember move-in day like it was yesterday. We were in the hotel room ten minutes away from campus. My dad was making trips up and down to load up the car, my mom was cleaning up the room, and I was packing my bag on the bed. My dad had just grabbed the last bag and headed downstairs to wait for us.

My mom looked at me and said, "You ready?" I looked up at her and tears fell down my cheeks. Just like that, months of excitement seemed to vanish in a matter of seconds and instead, I became filled with nerves. I know many people say they were never nervous to go to college, but in that moment I knew they were all lying. I was about to get dropped off in a brand new place filled with all new people and was supposed to go have the best time of my life. Now, eight months later with only five days left of the semester, I can truly say that I have had the best time of my life and it is because of everything I experienced and learned.

Here are a few lessons I compiled together that I hope high school seniors can learn from and fellow freshman can relate to:

It is okay to make mistakes.

You'll get lost many times the first week of classes. You'll call your professors your teachers and the cafe the lunch room. You'll go out with friends when you should have been studying. You'll make a tinder account. You'll save assignments until the last minute. You'll take an 8 am class. You'll alternate between making sleep your first and last priority. But regret none of it, because you'll learn from it all and be grateful that you did

It is so important to get involved.

There are hundreds of clubs, athletics and intramural sports; there is something on campus for everyone. Find your niche, and you will find your college family. Whether it is saying hi to the person you sit next to in class, getting lunch with someone you don't know in your sorority/fraternity, or trying out for the sport you almost left behind, leave your comfort zone and branch out. You will be happy you did it

It's okay to say no.

I believe it is important to try new things. There is so much to live and experience while in college. At the same time, you know you better than anyone else. Know your limits and know where you stand because it is okay to say no

Embrace the independence, but also manage it.

No one is here to tell you right from wrong anymore. No one is here to tell you when to go out with friends or stay in to study or to go to class or anything like that. You are an adult (well on the path to adulthood) and the decisions are all yours to make. Choose wisely, because although it is thrilling, it is easy to get on the wrong path

Make time for family.

It is so easy to get caught up in your new life. Yet, it is so important to take the time to call your family. They are missing you just as much as you are missing them so take every opportunity to give them a call and update them on what is going on in your life because they do care more than you think

Take your academics seriously.

You have more freedom than you even know what to do with, which means lots of prioritizing needs to happen. You are at school to get an education. School should always be the most important thing on your list, so go to your classes and study when you don't want to because getting that GPA at the end of the semester can either be the best or worst time

Make the most of your time at college.

This truly will be the best time of your life. Make those mistakes. Get involved and make those forever friends. Try new things, or don't. Be independent, yet still make time for those loved ones back home. Freshman year is overwhelming, but it goes by faster than you will be prepared for. I am grateful for everyone that came into my life the past eight months as well as all of the organizations that welcomed me with open arms and gave me endless opportunities. Thank you freshman year for being everything I could have hoped for and more.

I can only imagine what sophomore year will bring.