1. You will be WAY more confident.

College was the best thing to happen to me. Being here, having met my best friends and faculty members who care about me personally, professionally and academically, and finding my true passions has made me a much more confident person.

When I was in high school, I always practiced the "fake it 'til you make it" lifestyle. I would act confident, but I actually had extreme insecurities. Now, I know that I have a ton of great qualities and I deserve the best in all aspects of my life. And you will realize this, too.

2. You will be more open.

I personally have always been a very open person. I always joke with friends that, right off the bat when I meet someone, I want to know their entire life story. And I am more than willing to share mine.

However, even though I have always been like this, the way I approach my openness is a bit different since starting college. Now, I feel like I am more of a storyteller. I don't necessarily share things that are too intense about me right away anymore, but I still have no problem sharing if someone asks.

As you meet people from different walks of life and become more comfortable with your own story, you will be able to see the difference in your vulnerability.

3. You will be more honest.

In high school, I would often get caught up in gossip. Now, after my first year of college, experiencing and seeing real-life struggles, I see the urgency in keeping things low-key. I have been using my own honesty to my advantage, especially while being an Orientation Group Leader.

I share stories to incoming freshman about the myths and realities of college and what they should expect. I've told them all about my difficulties during my transition — from relationship problems to roommate disagreements to partying.

By being honest, I can see people have a different type of respect for me, and they appreciate my transparency.

4.You will feel like you are making a difference.

I was always involved in school experiences. There has never been a time when I haven't been in a lot of clubs or doing a lot of activities. In college though, I feel like there is so much more impact.

Oftentimes, people wait until college to unleash the true student leader and advocate within them. For me, I have been an office assistant, a tour guide and an orientation leader. I've done community service activities and media clubs. Sure, I did a lot in the past, but now I am making a difference in my future career, as well as helping prospective students choose the right school for them.

Finding activities that actually fulfill your lifestyle makes all the difference in the world.

5. You will be more independent.

College can be scary for some people, especially those who were dependent on their parents their whole lives. Sure, my mom is going to read this article and laugh at this one. Sure, I can barely make a nutritious meal for myself or drive long distances without getting anxiety. But, I can do it.

I have grown up since college. It's true, I am not the best when it comes to "adulting." But I do my best, and that's the most I can do. So yes, there will be plenty of nights full of Ramen Noodles and failed exams. But there will also be plenty of appointments made on your own and successes that are yours and yours only.

6. You will be more spontaneous.

In the past, I was notorious for always making plans. We would not hangout unless you hit me up with plans approximately two weeks in advance. Now, with the benefits of your friends having cars and living literally right across the hall from you, there is no space for plans. You are either in or you're out.

These days, half of my adventures include rides to Walmart or getting Taco Bell for the sixth night in a row. Those times are greater than any plan you could make.

7. You will have greater time management skills.

Despite being way more spontaneous and sometimes putting my work aside, my time management skills are at an all-time high. When I first arrived at school I thought it was going to be a cakewalk since I did amazing in high school. Then I had a rude awakening. You think to yourself, "Now I have to study? Do I have to take notes? Blasphemy."

Over time, you will grow accustomed to putting more effort into school work, studying, getting involved and going out with friends. It is a very personal process, but everyone is different!

8. You will be more ambitious.

I have always been the type of woman with dreams, but now they aren't just dreams. Now, they are my reality.

College made me realize that everything is at my fingertips. "When I grow up..." isn't so far away anymore. Knowing this, I research opportunities to get my name out there. I submit artwork to our art and literature magazine. I write for Odyssey. I get involved on campus. I search for internships. I have multiple jobs.

Nothing can stop me now, which is the attitude you should have walking onto campus.

9. You will be more accepting.

I have always been accepting. I do not discriminate based on someone's background, culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity. Never have, never will. But, I have become more accepting to different types of personalities.

I used to hate engaging in small talk with shy people, and I used to hate when people didn't understand my sarcasm. Now, I just deal with it. It is nothing to get rattled over because not everyone's personality is going to mesh well with mine.

I have friends who are from all different walks of life, and it was ignorant of me to only spend time with those who seemed to be like me before.

10. You will become more cultured.

Through the different classes I have taken and people I have met, I definitely feel more cultured. There are just so many other worlds I had no clue about. I know more about particular religions, places where my friends grew up, about unconscious biases, microaggressions, art and literature.

It probably sounds so cliché to some people, but to me, college has been such a learning opportunity — inside and outside the classroom.

11. You will be more confrontational.

I used to be a turtle when it came to confrontation. I would hide in my shell and retreat until the problem seemed to be resolved. Not anymore.

Now, if there is a problem, I confront it right away. College made me realize there is no room for negativity or drama in life. I have realized who is important to me and who no longer serves a purpose in my life anymore.

It will become easy to be picky about the people you spend time with and those who need to get cut out.

12. Your threshold of embarrassment will get higher.

I can deal with embarrassment like no other. I think it is actually quite healthy to be embarrassed once in a while.

There comes a point in time when you just stop caring what other people think of you. Sure, I still do care a little bit. But most of the time, it is an afterthought.

So now, I don't really care if people see me cry during one of my shows, or see that I did, in fact, grab four grilled cheeses from the dining hall, because it is just part of me.