When I started my journey into college, it was a new start. Who could've imagined all the love, knowledge, and friendships that I would receive?

First semester, I started off optimistic and tried to have everything planned out when I came to college. I decided to get involved as much as I could without getting overwhelmed. I studied but didn't make as many friends as I could have. I was also worried about others instead of just worrying for myself at the moment. I let my past affect my future and these are some of the things I regret and would take advantage of if I could go back in time. I still did enjoy first semester, but realized the how stressful college can be if you don't have your priorities straight.

Second semester, I decided to meet more people and pushed myself to do more. I joined an organization that was just like family and I can't be thankful enough for them. I enjoyed my time with friends and became even closer to them. My grades were a priority, but I also made my happiness a priority one too. I went through bad news after bad news but still came out living life positively. Some people decided to leave my life, but I gained many more friendships and met some amazing people from what I felt at the time was a low point in my college life. You go through so many phases in college at such a short time, but it's all worth it.

Here are some things I learned from my year in college.

Being accountable for oneself is big once you have to take responsibility for yourself. Making yourself get up and go to class, doing your homework, or even making good decisions can be difficult. It's a struggle trying to figure everything out by yourself and stressful because most things in college aren't guided. Also, making sure you speak to your teacher makes a big difference. By showing you actually care, it can end up being a difference in a letter grade. Setting priorities also helped me greatly in class because the main reason I came to college was to become more knowledgeable.

I learned that some relationships may fail and that's perfectly okay. Some people are in your life for that small moment in time to make you a better person. There are also people who come into your life that are there to stay forever. You meet some your closest friends here and you know they are here for you no matter what.

You'll experience many emotions while you're at college. Stress is a part of life and school. Having to worry about grades and tests almost constantly is a struggle many of us aren't used to. Talk to a friend about any struggles you're having or take a study break. Making sure you are happy is something very important that can make a huge difference. If you are feeling sad, just know that there are people here willing to listen and help you. You aren't alone in your struggle because we are human and people go through things sometimes that aren't the best in the world. Speak out and you will be heard.

Don't be scared to try new things. College was a new experience and a new atmosphere to be around in. I got involved in things I never would have tried out for in high school. Through this, I became more outgoing as a person and found my fit on campus.

Also, be yourself. I learned that there are so many people here that want to be friends with you because of who you are and not where you came from or what you've done in the past. There is certainly someone out there in the thousands of people who go to class that will love you for who you are as a person. You are the way you make yourself out to be. So be genuine and sincere because there are tons of people I met that were excited to meet me and I know my freshman friendships are certainly going last longer than my college career honestly.

I am sad my freshman year has flown by, but I am excited for what the future holds!