1. Always treat others around you with respect

My mom and dad are both equal parts of teaching me this lesson. You never really know who you'll meet at a local bar, the seat next to you in class, or even in the gas station parking lot. No matter who they are its always your responsibility to treat others the way you want to be treated. Never think that you're above anyone in the world; trust me when I tell you people won't take you seriously.

2. Don't let your bad days become a virus to others

Just because you are having a bad day doesn't mean that your friend has to be in one too! I've learned this over time and it HAS taken a while to master. My dad always told me that you don't want to spread your bad days like a virus because it will just keep infecting others. It takes ten seconds out of your day to reflect back to yourself and breathe... ask yourself, "Is this funk I'm in really worth ruining my day?"

3. You have to love yourself before anyone else can

I thank my mom for this amazing advice! When I was in high school I was in a serious relationship and it really "threw off my groove" as Emperor Kusco would say. I was expecting love even when I didn't love myself; lets just say that it didn't really work out. My self confidence was at an all time low and I was feeling sorry for myself. Fast forward to today... yes I still have some bad days but I am finding out who I am and loving myself through thick and thin.

4. Don't apologize for being who you are

Everyone is different... period! You should accept yourself, friends and peers for who they are. If everyone in the world was the same it would be hella boring. Accept your loud friends who make you sing karaoke at a local college bar (even when you don't want to), your quiet friends who just want to talk about their life while watching a rom-com, and never be sorry for being who YOU are. Stick up for yourself and your besties, you won't regret it.

5. Live your life with no regrets

All parents know you're going to make mistakes and the older you get the more lenient they are to letting you figure them out on your own. Live free because it's always your time! College is a prime period in your life to do stupid things and learn from them, just don't "ragret" your mistakes. You'll be able to look back on your mistakes and crazy stories, so go out and make some by having a drink (or five) with your friends!