Here we are. I've arrived at the end of my junior year of college. Everything has flown up to this point, and I'm still in shock that this whirlwind year is over. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my freshman dorm and I was still taking classes in my original major. Though my first two years of college were full of ups and downs, junior year was mostly ups. I learned a lot about myself and the people I choose to surround myself with this year more than ever before. Here are some things that I've learned this year.

1. The best friends are the people who you thought you'd never be friends with.

I have made some truly amazing friends this year, like the kind of friends you know you'll be friends with for a long time. I started to be a bit more outgoing and taking the time to actually get to know people, even if I had preconceived ideas about them. I always thought that a common interest was the only way to become really good friends with someone, but that's totally not the case. All of my friends are so different and we all have very different interests, but that makes our friendships stronger because we can learn and grow with one another.

2. That being said, not everyone who you think is your friend actually is your friend.

I feel like I learn this lesson in a different way every year, but this year was in a more subtle way. Just because you're in clubs or classes with someone and you talk to them often, that doesn't mean that they actually care about you. That sounds harsh, but it's so true, and it's a harsh lesson that I faced this year. But, when this happens, you just have to cut that negativity out of your life as soon as possible.

3. Actually do your work.

To be honest, I've always been a super lazy student. In high school, I was one of those annoying kids who never really had to study, but still got A's on everything. I've been trying to teach myself how to study and focus for the past two years, but I really learned what works for me this year. I learned that those little library cubicles are the place to be when you want to focus because no one can see you and distract you. I also learned that group studying does wonders. I do wish that I would've figured this out earlier so my cumulative GPA would reflect my current GPA.

4. Take every opportunity that you're given.

I do a lot of things. During this school year, I had three jobs, an e-board position, acapella rehearsals and a few clubs that I regularly attended. Though it can be a lot to schedule everything and still have time to sleep and shower, I absolutely love every single thing that I do. I recently accepted a summer internship and an internship in the fall, along with the top management position for my main job. I have learned so much about myself and how much I'm truly capable of through all of these cool things that I do. All of the things that I do require very different skill sets, and it's nice to be able to reflect on that and realize that you're pretty diverse and awesome.

5. Having a mature, responsible boyfriend is awesome.

In the past, I've been in very toxic relationships that weren't helpful for anyone involved. My boyfriend is the most amazing man on the planet, and he is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me. We encourage one another to succeed and be the best that we can be. With so many relationships these days being based on sex or money or silly things like that, I think I got super lucky to be with someone who loves me unconditionally and vice versa. We can be ourselves at all times, even if "ourselves" means eating seven meals in one day and binge watching "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt."

6. Don't miss any chance to go out and have fun with your friends.

We're college students, and college is the only place you're going to have all of your friends within walking distance, and it's acceptable to drink whenever you want. Don't miss a single chance to go out for tacos or go dancing or go to a concert with your friends because you will regret it. Sure, we're all poor and really busy, but you will never get this time back so go out and be young! These are the best years of your life, so cherish them.