It seems pretty crazy to say that I am soon going to be ending my freshman year at college. A year ago, I was sailing through my senior year with only senior trip, prom, graduation, and summer in sight. When it came time to go to college, I was certainly scared and worried about how things would go, but I can happily say that my college experience so far has been great. There are definitely things I have learned this year that I know I would not have learned if I didn't decide to go away to college. While most of my year was fun, there were definitely some moments that made it tough. However, learning to get through these moments has prepared me for anything that comes my way in the future. Here are a few things I have learned this year.

How to be independent.

When at college, you can't always go home to mom and have her fix your problems. You have to learn to deal with them on your own. While this can be hard in the beginning, it is definitely an experience I needed. I have watched myself become more mature and strong, and I owe that to my college experience.

People are not always who you think they are.

There are going to be times where you think people are much different than they actually are, and that's okay. Over the course of a year, people change. There will be people that you are close with one semester and the next, nothing. You will learn how to move on, and you will realize who your true friends are. While it can be hard, it is something that is going to happen often, and learning how to deal with it and move on is important.

Appreciate the time you have in college.

While I am just a freshman going into my second year, this year has gone by so fast. Thinking of how fast this whole experience may go by, I have realized that I need to appreciate all of the time I have here. So take pictures, laugh a lot, stay up late with friends even though you really shouldn't, go out on the weekends - this is all going to go by fast and soon enough we will be in the real world dealing with actual careers.

Keep in touch with home.

Although you have to live on your own and earn independence, it is important to keep in touch with friends and family from home. They are always there for you, no matter how far away you are. When you are stressed or feel like you just need to talk, take the time to call home.