As a college student keeping up with grades, social lives, jobs, and extra curricular activities is a juggling act. There's hardly enough time in the day to keep track of everything. It seems as though everyone is getting into relationships and this often adds a stressor onto their lives. I for one was in a relationship for awhile last year and as great as it was it just added onto the unceasing stress in my life. The breakup was terrible and distracted me from what I really needed to be focusing on: my future.

I've discovered this year that it's okay to be alone. It is completely okay to not have anyone to go on dates with, have movie nights with, and relax with at night. I needed to find time to discover who I am. I became so engulfed in my past relationship that I forgot who I was. I needed to take time to become independent, I think everyone needs that. It is impossible to be in a relationship if you have no idea who you are. I needed to spend time with my girlfriends and have fun. I needed to take time to find activities I really enjoyed doing like working out and writing. For me, being single was a good thing.

I have found I can be dependent without a boyfriend. I am 20 years old and I can honestly say that I am happy with myself. Before this newfound freedom I felt chained. I always depended on my boyfriend to make me happy, and that's not okay. In order to be in a healthy relationship, you need to be happy with yourself. Reflecting back now, I was probably bringing him down. I let myself get upset when he didn't text me back, I was sad when he chose his friends over me, and I would seclude myself from my own friends when he upset me. None of this was healthy and none of this was mature.

My advice to all college girls out there is to experience the single life. Get to know people, get to know yourself. I'm not currently involved with anyone right now, but I can honestly say that if I were to get in a relationship anytime soon, I would be ready. This is because I am finally my own person, a strong person who isn't about to let a relationship affect the way her everyday life is run.

Maturity is a key component to any relationship and it takes time for that to develop. It takes some people longer than others to be mature enough for a relationship and that's okay. I'm completely content with my life and who I've become and I never feel lonely. I have surrounded myself with enough wonderful friends and family to never have to feel that empty hole.

Never lose sight of yourself.