As finals finish up and everyone moves home to start their summers, memories of the past year start to fade away. Although I won't remember each and every moment of junior year, here are some important lessons that I've learned over the past two semesters:

1. It's okay to ask for help

In fact, it's more than okay-there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. It doesn't make you weak, and it doesn't make you crazy. It makes you strong, and it makes you brave. To recognize that you need help and to ask for it is the first step towards recovery, so don't be afraid to look for help when you need it.

2. Keep working hard, it'll pay off eventually

I know sometimes it doesn't feel like it. You continue to push yourself, day in and day out, without seeing any improvement or change. I know how frustrating and devastating this can be, and I know how it makes you feel like you want to give up. Take it from me- your time will come. Keep working hard, and I promise if you put horse blinders on and focus on what you need to, your hard work will pay off.

3. Be selfish

This is something that's been really hard for me, but something I've definitely learned during this year. Do what you want, when you want, without worrying about others. You really need to do what's best in life for you, because no one else will do that for you. Fully give into yourself and your wants and needs and you'll feel peace within yourself. You really find yourself when no one else is going to look for you.

4. The future is near and it's bright

Junior year is the final step before the final step; the last year you have before you have to start worrying about that dreaded terrible real world. But am I the only one not scared of this monster that haunts the nightmares of college kids? The possibilities seem endless, the options all open, and all at my choosing. I can go anywhere, live anywhere, be anyone I want. That sounds pretty good to me.

5. It's still hard for people to remember my name

Even after three years. And I still can't seem to remember other people's names no matter how many times they introduce themselves.

6. Accept the flaws

Everyone has problems, everyone has traits they don't like about themselves (and if you don't, you're either lying or incredibly self-confident). The best thing to do is to face them head on, to accept what problems you have instead of trying to cover them up. Acknowledging their existence is the first step to changing them. Stop feeling guilty about them and just remember that you're human, you're going to have problems. What defines you is how you handle them.

7. Being alone isn't as bad as you thought

After a long, hard day, the best thing to do is to walk through the door, throw your stuff on the floor and collapse on your bed. The hours after that until you sleep are completely yours- to be filled with eating, homework, cleaning, reading, writing, watching TV, painting, blasting music, stretching, working out, absolutely anything and everything you want to do. Inside those four walls is your kingdom to rule over only yourself, without having to worry about anyone else. Your sanctuary to fully be yourself in, without having to entertain guests or put on your public face or think of conversation to keep interesting. It's in these moments, without a thought for anyone else, that you really see what you're like as a person, and can examine your movements and mannerisms and find what you like and don't like about yourself. Being alone with your own thoughts and personality is like being with another person- a side of you that you fully get to learn about, interact with and speak to. I bet there's a lot about yourself that you never knew. Go find out.

8. Be careful what you eat

Or you'll get a stomach bug 4 times throughout the school year, miss up to a week of school at a time and even be hospitalized. Also, make sure you wear close-toed shoes during 6 am fire drills.

9. Loss is hard

Death happens. People leave you behind. People fade away. I'm not gonna say that any of these things are easy, or even give any advice on how to handle it (mostly because I still don't know myself). But it's hard.

10. The universe might be a bitch, but at least she knows when she's being one

Sometimes, the universe just doesn't like you and makes 10,000 shitty things happen to you over the course of one year. After each one, you think nothing else bad can happen, and you can almost hear her erupting laughter over you from the heavens. "IS THAT WHAT YOU THINK?!" she screams as she sends a lightning bolt down on you, causing your world to crumble a little further. She really is a bitch, but I firmly believe that after a while she gets tired of making a mess of your life, and maybe even feels a little guilty about it. She might even send some happiness and rainbows down to you, so keep that chin up buttercup. The universe must start to feel guilty soon (right?.....right.)