As the school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my first year of college. There are many things I have learned: How to survive without home-cooked meals, how to make new friends, how to calculate the enthalpy of a reaction. However, the most important thing I have learned is how to be happier. Becoming a happier person was no easy task and I still work on it every day. These are a few of the realizations I have had.

1. No one is happy all of the time.

My mother has always told me, "everyone has a story that could make you cry." As I have grown older, I have found this to be more than true. Back in high school, there was a group of people who always seemed happy. I was envious of the way they seemed to enjoy life while I sat in my bed, escaping reality through the pages of my books and visions in my dreams. I have learned though their lives were not perfect. They were also on the roller coaster of ups and downs. No one is happy all of the time, and that is OK. This realization relieved a pressure I had not known was there: I did not have to be happy all of the time, it is OK to be sad and to get angry.

2. Not everyone is going to like you and That is OK.

Do you like everyone you meet? Probably not. It is unreasonable to think that everyone will like you. While you may not get along or agree with everyone you meet, embrace your differences - they are what make you special. Sometimes you can learn a lot from someone who has a different view from you. Go out into the world with an open mind. Experience new things. Don’t let others hold you back. Don’t let yourself hold you back.

3. You are the company you keep.

Have you ever heard the saying, "you are the company you keep"? I was always encouraged to surround myself with the people who are already the way I want to be. Joel Osteen said, "you cannot hang out with negative people and expect to live a positive life." I have found this to be very true and I now surround myself with friends who have an optimistic outlook on life. I, in turn, have become a more optimistic and happier person.

4. You will never get the same moment twice.

Every moment you have is unique, a moment that no one else will ever experience the way you do. Live every day like it is your last. Take each breath and embrace life for the good and bad that it is.

Tip of the Week:

Try keeping a notebook or journal next to your bed and write three good things that happened that day right before you go to sleep. They can be little things, like sleeping in, or someone waving to you. While it may be hard at first I often find myself writing more than just three things. Doing this makes you think about the good things in your life right before you go to sleep and puts your mind in a happy mindset. After doing this for awhile, I have found myself looking forward to writing in my journal and actually get very excited when even something small happens just for the opportunity to add the moment to my list.