My favorite part of college was going out and drinking. Now while there is nothing wrong with that, I found it hard to make true, meaningful connections with people. It's pretty hard to have a deep conversation with someone when you can barely hear them or see straight. While I was having fun, I felt like I wasn't able to truly show people who I was. It's been years since I've graduated college, and when I run into people I went to school with, many of them tell me that I've changed and they're absolutely right. Music festivals have not only changed me, but most everyone I know that goes to festivals has changed because of them.

Here are five reasons how festivals change you as a person:

1. You can be your most authentic self

In the real world, whether it be at work or school, it's hard to be absolutely 100 percent yourself and if you are kudos to you. There's no place in the world other than at a festival than I feel most like myself. When you're being your most authentic self, you shine.

2. You'll start asking more questions

Festivals draw some of the most unique people you'll ever meet. The movers and shakers, the trailblazers, the people that continue to challenge society's norms. We should always be questioning everything we know and when you surround yourself with people who are doing just that, you'll begin asking questions too.

3. You become more spiritual

When you're in an environment that is so welcoming and beautiful, it's hard to not wonder if there is something bigger than us out there. I haven't yet figured out what that is but my fondest memories at festivals, have been the late night talks picking other people's brains trying to figure out just what it is.

4. You make meaningful friendships

Friendships you make at festivals are unlike any other. I've met people on a Friday afternoon that by Sunday have become family. Even if you get separated from your crew, everyone there is your friend and you never feel alone.

5. You become more open to new experiences

Festivals have this way of stripping away your ego. You'll find yourself talking to people you might not have otherwise and doing things that you never in a million years pictured yourself doing.

Festivals are a magical place that get adults to look at the world with this childlike wonder again. You'll continue learning about yourself and growing as a person. So maybe I have changed, but I'm happy I have.