Like every other broke and stress ridden college student, I’ve learned a lot here at Arizona State: what time of night the Taco Bell line is the longest, where the best hangover food is and how to make food from one trip to the grocery store last for two weeks. Like I said, there are always lessons to be learned. Outside of my food obsession, I’ve learned a lot about myself too. Somehow, I’ve met people along the way that have continuously encouraged me to work on my self-growth. Thanks for that, friend.

The hardest thing I’ve learned how to do (but somehow still figured out how) was to let go. Moving on from the past and being at peace with change is so much easier said than done. Everyone grows as time passes, but sometimes we're too blind to see that we're growing apart rather than together. Coming to terms with old relationships and old friendships is a conscious effort that takes consistent effort. If it weren’t for the people I have met here the past few years, I never would have figured out who I really am or who I want to surround myself with. (Thanks again, friends.)

Another ASU life lesson: friendships will trump the flimsy romantic relationships you’re entertaining. That frat guy you met last night at a party? Spoiler alert: he probably doesn’t remember your name. Your significant other that’s at a university 200 miles away? In the next six months, you might realize you no longer have anything in common. The only thing that has proved constant in my life are the friendships I’ve been lucky enough to make as a college student. They’ve gotten me through heartbreak, loss and more stressful situations than I ever thought imaginable. Be smart - prioritize well.

Learning how to say no has been a trip. Although I’m always looking for ways to get involved and give different opportunities a fair chance, I’ve recently learned how to be more realistic with myself. To my surprise, I actually cannot function while having three executive positions, being an active member of four clubs, working on a minor and striving to get an internship. Who would have known? Somewhere along the way, I’ve finally figured out how to gracefully deny opportunities in order to stop over-committing myself.

Thanks to my experiences at ASU, I finally know how to stand up for myself. By this, I don’t mean how to how to be a savage (...although). By standing up for myself, I mean knowing when to walk away, refusing to condone actions that don’t sit right with me and not being afraid to defend my values in the most composed way. You don’t learn this in high school. Being away from my family and surrounding myself with strong individuals who aren’t afraid to stand along on something has encouraged me to do the same.

Learning to think for myself has been huge as well. You don’t realize how much you rely on your parents until your mom doesn’t answer the phone and you’re stuck being too indecisive to make a decision. Figuring out how to solve problems on my own is empowering. I spent so much of my time in high school relying on the opinion of others to make my choices – now I don’t depencd on anyone’s input on the matter.

Unfortunately I am still waiting for the day I can make myself a home cooked meal and not shrink my clothes when I do laundry. Fingers crossed that these lessons find their way to me soon.