2017 was quite an eventful year for me: I turned 18, graduated high school, moved 10 hours away from my home to start school at the University of Michigan. There were many lows, highs, tears, laughs, and much more, but through it all there were many lessons, 17 to be exact.

Here's to the 17 things that 2017 taught me...

1. Filling out paperwork actually kind of sucks

Turning 18 is like super exciting because you're an "adult" and have more freedom! However, filling out adult paperwork, such as at the doctor's office, actually really sucks. It's super long, tedious, and annoying.

2.Whatever is meant to be will be

This lesson especially applied to my college process in 2017.

3. High school drama literally will not matter in the grand scheme of things

Stupid drama like "this person blocked me on Instagram," or rumors being spread around the school will not matter once graduation happens. Nobody cares anymore.

4. It is OK if you drift from some of your high school friends

Sometimes you are only friends with people because you saw them every day... and that is OK. Drifting is only natural, so don't worry too much.

5. Taxes are no! fun!

After getting my first job in 2017, I was outraged to find that the government was taking my hard earned minimum wage for taxes! Ugh, they're the worst!

6. There’s no place like home

Nothing like sleeping in your own bed, cuddling with your pets, and eating your mom's food... the best.

7. What people put on social media isn’t always the truth of the situation

The first month of college was a hard adjustment. I thought I was the only one who was struggling because I saw all my friends cultivate the perfect college experiences on Snapchat, Instagram, etc. I soon found that my friends were also struggling and they thought I was not!

8. In college, the motto is “work hard, play hard”

Nothing like submitting a paper then having the best time with your friends. Find the balance.

9. You will always remember the nights you did go out, as opposed to not going

Sitting in your bed watching Netflix is fun once and awhile, but trust me the nights you remember are the crazy nights out with your friends.

10. Finding your college best friends isn’t an automatic thing

Finding your group of best friends in college doesn't happen the first day. It took me over a month to find my "people" and I'm so glad I did.

11. Adulting is very hard

Being on your own and an "adult" is very hard. You will take many L's because let's face it, adulting takes a lot of practice.

12. It is OK to not always be the best

In high school, I was accustomed to getting the best grades and being top of my class. However, in college literally everyone was just like you in their high school, thus not everyone can be the best or at the top and that's OK.

13. The Midwest is very cold

Everybody back home when I told them I was going to University of Michigan would say "You know Michigan is very cold." I thought I knew, but dang I had no idea. 25 degrees is now like summer.

14. It is OK to have no idea what you’re doing with your life

Don't stress if you have no idea what you're doing or where you're going. You will figure it out.

15. Do what makes you happy, not what makes others happy

Putting yourself first isn't selfish, it's a necessity for your own well being.

16. You never know what someone else is going through, so always be nice

Kill them with kindness, even if they were a total jerk to you.

17. The future is female

2017 was the year of women, especially with the takedown of many powerful men due to their sexual harassment and assault history. The future is bright and very female.