Moving from a small town in Southwestern Minnesota to a town that is always on the go was a huge change for me. I think it would be for anyone. I grew up from a town called Montevideo, with a population of about 7,000 people. I have not only learned so many things throughout the past two years living in Saint Cloud, but I have also taken with me a few life lessons I will never forget.

1. Never leave your purse in your car.

I made that mistake one too many times. My purse was stolen twice, and my car doors were locked. I used to keep my purse in my car every night when I lived in my hometown, with my door unlocked (the joys of living in the country and a small-town). I can sleep at night now knowing that my purse is safe and not having to worry about my purse and things getting stolen.

2. There is not an endless amount of things to do.

I moved to Saint Cloud for college thinking it was going to be so much fun every night, being that there was always something to do. Little did I know that would wear off quickly (Ha!). Who knew going to the mall all the time would wear off? Although there isn't that much to do, Saint Cloud has so many yummy places to eat, which is a plus in my book!

3. Go to those small events that you get invited to or hear about.

I discovered a small festival once a week called "Summertime" by Lake George. They have yummy food, vendors, music and games. Little did I know, that would be my favorite thing to do on Wednesdays when I went!

4. The worst WILL come out in you when driving.

I think I honk my horn at someone at least once a day, if not more. Hello, road rage.

5. Patience, patience, patience.

With Saint Cloud comes busy rush hours, long lines and slow people. I don't think I will take those things for granted ever again in my hometown!

6. Random gunshots are (not) normal.

I used to live on campus, which is not the best area to live in. To hear gunshots at night was a normal occurrence. I think the funniest part was that I got used to it. "No big deal, just a gunshot outside!"

7. Endless amount of Starbucks ... CAFFEINE, SAY WHAT?

Even though there isn't an endless amount of things to do, there is an endless amount of Starbucks to go around! I counted five Starbucks coffee shops at the top of my head that are located in Saint Cloud/Waite Park.

-Waite Park (by Petsmart, Fuji Steakhouse)

-Saint Cloud (by TjMaxx)

-Target (Highway 10)

-Barnes & Noble

-SCSU campus

8. If you don't enjoy outdoors and nature walks, you should probably start!

I have found out that Saint Cloud has so many nice walking paths and parks. Not to mention that there are small trails and paths by SCSU campus that leads to amazing views of the Mississippi RIver.

9. You will meet all sorts of people who are crazy.

All sorts of crazy people, enough said!

10. You will meet all sorts of rude people.

I used to work at a retail store, which was probably why I encountered so many rude people. Even if you don't work in a retail store or somewhere with people, you will still witness or have to stand up to someone who is rude. Some days, I just have to take a step back, brush it off and not let it affect me.

11. The nice people that you meet will make up for the other negative Nellies that you meet.

I have met lots of good people in Saint Cloud. Even though the best aren't easy to find, they are worth befriending because they are on the same boat as you and probably know what to expect.

12. Saint Cloud is not a party town.

When I was in high school, people would ask me where I was going, and the first thing that they would say when I said Saint cloud was, "Saint Cloud is a party town." Saint Cloud does not have to be a party town if you don't want it to be, but if you do, make Saint Cloud your party town! When it comes down to it, though, almost every college is a party town. It just depends what you make your college experience out to be.

13. Be careful for those Saint Cloud cops.

They are watching you 24/7. You better be on your best driving behavior!

14. Visit those small food places that you hear about/find.

Yeah, they are small. Yeah, they are back in the boondocks, but those types of restaurants turn out to be the best! A few of my favorites are Park Diner, Brigettes Cafe and Val's.

15. Last but not least, always make the best of every situation.

Because that is pretty much the only thing that you can do.