As I sit here, on the second-to-last day of my freshman year, procrastinating the three exams I have yet to finish studying for, it is only right that I feel a little nostalgic. It is also only right that I can't help myself from being overcome by memories of this emotionally weird, first glance of adulthood. This year was one of the hardest of my life, but I am thankful for what it taught me. So as I bid a semi-sweet adieu to this first round, I have decided to write down the good that has come out of it. So here they are, the four things my freshman year of college taught me.

You never really stop growing.

I'm not saying I went to college and grew four inches because, well let's face it, I’ve been 5'2 since the fifth grade. What I mean is that I thought I knew who I was as a person, but college is the first time you are truly alone. You are away from mom and dad and friends and neighbors, all the people who helped raise you and point you in the right direction, and it is the first time you truly stand on your own two feet without their silent influence. You make new independent decisions on a daily basis, and begin to find things out about your likes and interests that you had never realized before. I thought I was independent and responsible in high school, but it wasn't until college that I realized how much I needed the security of what I had always known. Obviously your parents and all of those people will always love and support you, and you will forever love and be thankful to them, but now is the time to truly find yourself. I have learned more about who I am and who I want to be every day, and I know I still have so much more to figure out.

Take pictures on the good (hair) days; you'll want to remember them.

Life likes to do this really funny thing where sometimes it's totally cool and fun, and then sometimes it's absolutely horrible and you just want to punch a wall, but that would hurt so you don't... it's super hilarious. But really, we've all heard it plenty of times, life has it's ups and downs; a statement that cannot get any truer. I have learned that amidst the highs and the lows, if you find one thing to be positive about on a daily basis, just the simplest thing that you can grasp onto, you can make it through any day, no matter how stressful or horrible it may be. Celebrate the good days and capture them however you see best. Live every second to the fullest because those good memories can be what you look to in order to make it through the bad ones. Oh, and another thing, it always get's better.

Don't pee your pants; ask where the bathroom is!

I always thought people would view me as weak or incapable if I ever asked for help. Well that sure changed. There is no way I could have made it through this year without love and support from friends, family, and the big guy upstairs (and yes, I'm referring to God because I really hope there's not a man living on the top of our sorority house). Raise your hand, stop that guy right there for directions, ask what comes on the sandwich you're about to order so you actually enjoy your lunch... reach out. People are more than willing to lend a helping hand and you can do the same in return. Let people know that you are there for them; you never know who's day you could change just by telling them where the bathroom is (that's a whole other story for a whole other post).

Fall often and fall hard.

Again, not physically. Fall in love with life’s simple pleasures; there are so many of them. I have come to love many things this year; OPI "Bubblebath" nail polish, the sixth floor of the library in between the two rows of Shakespeare related books, being greeted every Wednesday morning by my psych professor who is the most energetic 70-year-old man I've ever met, red lipstick, Chick-fil-A sweet tea with lemon, the fake owl in the elevator of my sorority house, the sound Facebook makes when you "like" a post while you're on your phone, the "Approved" screen that comes up on a pin-pad after you swipe your credit card... these are all some of my greatest loves. Of course, there are greater passions to find and celebrate and be head-over-heels about, but why not get excited over the little things, too? Be passionate in all that you do and never continue something if you aren't in it wholeheartedly.

I don't think you are ever truly prepared for college, or growing up in general, but hopefully listening to the experiences of others can help you to be prepared for what's to come. Always remember to stay true to yourself and enjoy the ride along the way. Life's too short to take things too seriously, so just have fun with it!