My first every article for the Odyssey was, "College Changes You... And That's Okay!" and that is the truest thing I've ever said. As my freshman year of college comes to a close, I am reflecting on all the things I have learned. These, I feel are the most important. Here are some things I've learned in my first year of college!

1. Everyone needs to CHEER UP.

Don't be a Negative Nancy, okay? I know that life gets hard. I know that things happen. Sometimes your sad and all you want to do is eat ice cream, watch Painting with Bob Ross, and cry. I'd be lying if I said I had never done that before. BUT NOT EVERY DAY IS A DAY FOR TEARS. There is almost always a reason to smile. Try to find one every day!

2. You probably aren't going to make the same grades in high school as in college.

If you're one of those geniuses that can make all As no matter where you go, good for you. I can't, though. And that's okay, too! Your GPA does not define you. You are not your grades. You have so many qualities that make you who you are. Your diploma won't have your transcript on it; it will only say that you made it. C's get degrees after all.

3. If you change your mind about what you believe, that's okay, too.

People change. In middle school, I though fedoras and splatter paint shirts were a good look. Big mistake. If you change your opinions or your beliefs in college about a few things (or everything, even) that's alright! You can't possible stay the same person for your whole life.

4. It's okay to change your major, too.

You can't expect 18-year-old you to make that decision without some doubt or fear. As you change as a person (see above), you may decide you need to take another career path.

5. Do what makes you happy.

This is not to say that you shouldn't think of others. Just don't make decisions based on your fear of being judged. Don't only do things that you think will make other people happy. YOU will have your life forever. Not your friends, not your parents, and not your significant other, YOU. You have to do what's best for you in the long run or you will be miserable.

I hope you guys had a wonderful and productive year!