College is a time that's all about self-discovery. It's a time of change, acceptance, and embracing the giant curveballs that life throws at you. Whether you attend college for a year, four years, or all the way up to earning a doctorate you are bound to be an entirely different person from the person you entered as. College is such an enriching but also difficult and trying time in a person's life that it is hard to not allow the experience to shape you, period. I know I've personally seen major changes within myself, and I am glad for them.

After graduating from high school, I assumed I was ready for the "real world". Honestly, I had never been more wrong. I wasn't prepared for the trials and tribulations of living on my own so far from home. I wasn't prepared for the responsibilities that would fall upon me. I wasn't prepared to meet so many people from all different backgrounds whose opinions, strengths, and weaknesses were so different from mine. I was not ready for the world in the way that I thought I was, and that was terrifying.

Of course, my first semester away from home was full of moments of doubt. There were moments when I wanted to stay in bed and cry or just give up, pack my bags, and head home. Yet, somehow I fought through. My first semester was also my first time falling incredibly ill without anyone by my side to help me through. I had to go see doctors who kept pricking me with needles, running tests, and taking X-rays. It was terrifying, and yet I pushed through. From this first semester, I learned the value of courage.

My second semester was filled with school-related challenges. I faced some of the most brilliantly intimidating professors, large group projects, and the fear of failure for the first time in a long time. I'd always been intelligent, but I'd never been put to the test this hard. I had to learn to accept that there were things I just wasn't good at and needed to work on. This semester taught me that it is okay to not be the best at everything. Hard work and dedication will make up for what you lack in natural ability.

While college is a very difficult time, it has also taught me some very good life lessons. It has made me appreciate the value of family now more than ever. It has taught me that treating yourself isn't always a bad idea. It has taught me that there will be people who you assume will be part of your life forever that will be gone in the blink of an eye. There will be moments when you can't pick yourself up, but others will be there to help you.

Most of all, college has taught me two of the most important things everyone needs to know in life. The first is that you must appreciate what you have. I am absolutely blessed to be able to attend college and gain these wonderful opportunities. The second is that if it scares you a little, it's probably worth doing. I firmly believe that this applies to anywhere in life. If it is something worthwhile, it will not come easily, but it will be worth it.

For all my fellow college students, you all are incredibly lucky to have the opportunities you have. I am proud of each and every one of you because college is not easy. Keep on studying, researching, and working your butt off. You're rocking it, and I can't wait to see where life takes us.