As freshman year came to a close, I couldn't believe how quickly it had all passed. It felt like yesterday I was moving into a room to live basically on my own, but before I knew it I was packing up to go back home for the summer. As I signed that check-out form and shut the trunk of my minivan that was filled to the top, I couldn't help but realize that although freshman year had it's ups and downs, I was definitely thankful for a lot.

So thank you, freshman year. Thank you for teaching me that college will be nothing like I expected. Thank you for teaching me that living on my own will never be easy, but it'll teach me more than I could ever imagine. Thank you for teaching me when to do my own laundry, clean my room and other chores I used to take for granted.

Thank you for teaching me that it's OK to not get along with everybody you meet, but to put professionalism first. I've learned that friends will come and go, and that you'll sometimes find yourself eating meals with three different friend groups in one day, but each person will bring a different light and perspective into your life.

Thank you for teaching me that sometimes you'll have to sacrifice sleep, food and even getting fully ready in the morning to finish an important assignment. But also, thank you for teaching me that sometimes it's OK to use that unexcused absence for a class to catch up on some rest.

Thank you for teaching me that sometimes you'll have professors you won't like or professors that won't like you. What matters the most is that you make the best of what you have and focus on what's most important: your grade and what you learn.

Thank you for teaching me that sometimes I'll wish I had never left, but it's OK to miss your parents and want to be young again. It's hard going from living at home to suddenly being a hundred miles away and all on your own. It's completely OK to show weakness sometimes. After all, we're all just learning aren't we?

Thank you for teaching me that long-distance relationships and friendships aren't the easiest things in the world, but they are definitely possible. There will be times one or both parties will be busy, but finding a middle ground will keep the connection stronger than ever.

Thank you for teaching me how to take care of myself when I'm sick or not feeling well. Great roommates and friends are a blessing, but let's face it, how well can people you've really only known for a few months take care of you?

Thank you for teaching me that college parties aren't always exactly like what you see on TV. But sometimes you should step out of your shell and try new things. However, weekends are only as good as you make them. You should be able to say no or just stay in.

Thank you for teaching me how to put myself out there and join new clubs to meet other people. Also, for realizing when it's time to pull myself back and keep to myself. Socialization is important but so is alone time.

Thank you for teaching me that transitioning to college is one of the hardest things I have done so far, but it'll also be one of the best experiences of my life.