To start things off, can I just say what a roller coaster of a semester it has been. It feels like we were just coming back from summer, sun-kissed and ready to start the fall semester. Now we are just relieved that finals are over; we can finally breathe and relax. They aren't kidding when they say that your years at college fly by.

One of the many things I have learned this semester is that people change. Friendships, relationships, family, no matter what, it is inevitable that people change. Sometimes for the good, and sometimes for the bad. For those who have changed for the better, keep them around. You can easily change the people who you surround yourself with, so keep the good ones and ditch the rest.

Going off of that, change is growth. Nobody likes change. Nobody likes the feeling of uncertainty or discomfort in what lies ahead. Neither of those are fun emotions to experience. We must grow to learn that change is variety. We get to reap all the rewards of change, and that is how we grow as individuals.

Things don't always go as planned, and that is okay. Maybe you switched your major, broke up with your significant other, didn't do as well in your classes as you thought you would. Whatever your given situation may be, you will and can get through it. When in doubt, just take the next small step. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel or a silver lining to your story, you just have to believe in yourself. When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

Go chase any opportunity that comes your way. That could mean a new job/internship, getting that position you have always wanted, or going on that date with some kid from class. You never know what could happen unless you give it a try. If it doesn't work out in your favor, at least you can say you have tried and can move onto something else. When one doors closes, another door opens.

Give everything your all. It is important to do so. Whether it is your classes, jobs, friendships/relationships, give everything your 100%. And know that if it does not work out, that you tried your best and there is nothing more to be done. You can't half attempt something and expect to receive 100 back to you. Life does not work out that way.

Make peace with your past, so it doesn't screw up your present. Regardless of what has happened in the past, holding onto it is only going to weigh you down. Don't apply past situations to something new; take everything as a brand new slate and make the best of it. The past is the past for a reason, and the only thing you can do is learn and better from it.

You don't need everyone to like you. You can't please everybody, and that is just that. Sometimes you may step on other people's toes, say something they don't always agree with or have a different opinion about, or just not get along. And that is okay too. Stay true to yourself, and if someone dislikes you for it, then avoid them and keep doing you.

The secret key to happiness is accepting yourself. Confidence is an amazing quality to achieve. Yes, sometimes it is hard to be confident in everything you do. If you take that confident mindset and run with it, you will be unstoppable. Just take everything and everyday with a "I got this, and I'll kill it" attitude, and nothing will stand in your way. You will be surprised how a positive attitude changes your life.

Don't take life too seriously. You are in college for just a short amount of time in your life, so take advantage of being able to get away with anything because this is the only time you can. So wear that groutfit or pajamas to class, eat that cheese steak and large order of fries, rock the "last night look" the next morning, and enjoy every single moment of it. Get your studies done, but also have some fun while you're at it. Education is important, but not necessary. Life can be an education in itself.