As the summer of 2016 comes to a close, and the new school year begins, many of us find ourselves in the familiar settings of our old schools. It brings back memories to be in a place where we've learned so much. From studying for finals to learning the words to the school fight song, there are countless lessons turned memories that go hand in hand with every school year.

Next week, I myself begin the second year of my college experience. A year ago, I stepped onto this campus and for the first time, I was able to call myself a student. At that time, I had no idea where that journey would take me. Today, a year later, I confess that I still have very little insight on where my path will lead me in the future, but I do know that thus far the journey has taken turns that I never would have expected. With these twists and turns, there have undoubtedly been lessons, and memories that I wouldn't trade for the opportunity to go back and correct my mistakes. Instead, I see it fitting to continue to learn and continue to grow, but always to keep in mind the importance of remembering the lessons that I have learned.

Whether it be a mathematical miscalculation, a grammar error, or a missed opportunity, most of us would rather forget our mistakes. All the times when we have failed, the unfavorable test grades, the late credit card payments, or the harsh words toward the people we care most about are things we would rather erase and have a clean slate to start over. Too often we look back on our own mistakes and think "wow, if only I could go back I would do so much better". However, the very reason we are able to make these insightful recollections is because of the very mistakes we most regret. Had it not been for these false steps, we would never have felt the failure and therefore been able to learn from it.

The memories that we would rather forget are sometimes the most important ones to remember. These are the things we can learn the most from, and to forget them entirely would be to do ourselves a great disservice. Always remember the lessons you've learned, so you will not be forced to re-learn them over again.

As I begin this school year, I head into the unknown. This year, there will undoubtedly be lessons, and I will undoubtedly make mistakes. But moving forward, I vow to continually look back and remember how I got to where I am today, through both my victories and my failures. I vow to take my failures and learn from them, ensuring that I never have to re-learn the same lessons. This is how I will learn, and this is how I will continue to grow.