2015 was a year filled with a lot of exciting firsts, some not so great endings, and some really great people. I know everyone always tells you this but I learned a lot about myself this year. I had some of the greatest and not so great times in 2015. It was an interesting year to say the least and these are the most important things I learned.

1. Fate does exist, but that doesn't always mean it's right.

I am someone who thoroughly believes in fate and that everything happens for a reason. This year I met someone who I thought would end up being really important to me and my life, but by the end of 2015, their only importance to me was to teach me a lesson. Sometimes, you meet someone who seems like they are going to be the best for you. However, you shouldn't invest time in them just because you convince yourself fate brought you to them or them to you for a good reason, especially if they aren't treating you right. Fate may exist, but it might not always be right.

2. Know how important it is to be your own person and not rely on others.

Unfortunately, sometimes I easily get lost in other people or relationships I'm in. I get so into wanting to be with that person that I forget how to be with myself, I learned that this year. It's okay to be into your relationships, I just realized that it should never be so much that you forget who you are. I allowed myself to get completely lost in someone this year and when it was over I had to figure out who I was again, what I wanted, and where I wanted to be. It was hard and worth it, but now I know how important it is to always be your own person and rely on yourself first.

3. Grades are not a definition of who you are as a person.

I know that I am a smart person and I do well in school but there is so much pressure to always be better and do better. Sometimes, despite all of your efforts you get one bad grade, and suddenly you start to question how smart you are or what you are even doing at college if you can't get a decent grade on a test that it seems like everyone else passed with ease. I spent a lot of this year telling myself all of the things I'm not good at because of a bad grade. I was constantly telling myself that I wouldn't be able to get a job, or do something I enjoyed. But one bad grade does not define you, at all.

4. Surround yourself with people who will always help you grow.

There were some really tough points during this past year. I was really grateful to have my best friends with me through everything to always remind me of the good things about me, or the good things about life. It's so important to have your support system who will have your back and help you grow when you need it most.

5. Trust your gut instincts, they are almost never wrong.

This year, more often than not, I chose to not listen to my gut feelings because I wanted to believe the opposite of how I was feelings. More often than not, it screwed me over. Your instincts are there for a reason and should be listened to. Looking back, I feel like listening to my gut would've kept away a lot of bad decisions, situations, and some not so great people. Your instincts are important to trust, remember that.

Overall though, 2015 was one of the best years, and there was definitely more good than bad. I can't wait to see what this new year is going to bring for me.