I've heard some great phrases and sayings in my life that are made to encourage people to take risks. Things like "carpe diem" or "YOLO." Sure, we think about these phrases when it comes to turning up on a Tuesday night even though you have an 8 a.m. class the next day or when you don't put as much effort as you could into a homework assignment. What if we applied these aspects to other parts of our lives?

I am a firm believer in the idea that academics come first. I mean, that's the main reason we go to college, right? Having a "carpe diem" lifestyle could ultimately help you reach your full potential and more. I'll be the first one to tell you that I am a lover of sleep, especially naps. While I would love to have time to nap every day, I know that carrying a heavier course load with classes that challenge my thinking will benefit me at the end of the day. Without those challenging classes, we would never be forced out of our comfort zone and would still see the world in the same way.

While getting a degree is important, the relationships you build and develop are significant too. These people will become your life-long friends, your support system, and maybe even members of your wedding party. It can be scary branching out to meet people at first, but reality is we are all slightly nervous when it comes to putting ourselves out there. If it was not for joining a sorority, I would not have the amazing relationships that I have today. I have found my place on this campus and have found "my people" who I know will have my back through thick and thin.

Living a healthy lifestyle is obviously important, but it's college and we all know how difficult it can be to stay in that healthy mindset. Well, it's called balance and it's definitely something that we should all take into consideration. Let's say you are aware of your eating habits and decide to eat healthy meals. You just got the grade back from that final that you spent days studying for and you passed with flying colors and you decide to break your diet and indulge in an ice cream sundae. It's okay! Having a little bit of a sweet treat is not going to break all of your hard work.

With that being said, I believe that life is about enjoying the little things. With only having a few days left in my junior year of college, I am realizing that my opportunities in college will be coming to an end soon and I am honestly terrified. Knowing I have one year left to say "YOLO" to aspects of college life is what keeps me going and with keeping that in mind, I aspire to take risks and make the most of it all.