This year has been a whirlwind and it's coming to a close way too quickly. As I sit here and reflect on this wonderful year, there are so many memories that make me both smile and frown. Freshman year is about self discovery. It's about failures and triumphs. All the lessons I have learned, no matter how big or small, are equally important, and they've created a surprising freshman year.

Don't make comparisons.

There is so much competition in college. People compete about appearances, struggle to make the best grades, and work to see who can seem the most popular. Comparing yourself to others only leads to discontent. Love yourself and your experiences, because they are unique and solely yours.

Thank your parents.

You never realize how much they do for you until you have to feed yourself on a daily basis.

Be patient.

It takes time to adjust, and to get used to living on your own. You will probably be a little lonely in the beginning, but it is completely natural, and everyone is feels the same way. You will gradually get to know people, and make friends that will last a life time.

Don't procrastinate.

The due date is always closer than you think. This a lesson quickly and easily learned.

Forgive yourself.

You're going to mess up. Your grades are most likely not going to look like they did in high school, and you're going to fail a test or quiz every now and then. College is hard. Learn from your failures, and learn to let them go.

Thank your friends.

There is a lot of drama (grades, boys, gossip, etc.) in college, and without my friends I would've gotten swept away in it multiple times. You grow so much in your freshman year, that your friends see the best and the worst in you, but they still stick by your side. And I am personally very lucky to have met a group of girls that love each other unconditionally (you know who you are).

So I thank you, freshman year, for the many lessons learned, and the wisdom that comes from it.