My freshman year has unexpectedly come to a close. I see my friends moving out of their dorm room and cry at the thought of my last Saturday night with my roommates. It feels intimidating to know a whole year has passed within a matter of minutes. I vividly remember my high school but when I look back to who I was a year ago, it feels unrecognizable. Here are just a few things I have learned throughout my journey of self discovery.

1. Everyone is different and it is inspiring.

My freshmen year of college and I thought I had it all planned out. I knew what major I was going for. I know what classes I need to take and what internships would help my resume. Then I meet all these amazing people who want to do so many incredible things in life like travel to Yosemite and sleep in a tent for three months. Life doesn’t comprehend the word traditional or normal. There is nothing wrong with taking a year off and traveling. It makes me rethink my plans and opens my eyes to possibilities I didn’t think I was allowed to have.

2. You are not defined by your mistakes.

There is much more to me than over sleeping for the ACT and being a fan of The Bachelor. Those mistakes do not represent who I am and what I stand for. Instead of criticizing myself over and over again and weighing myself down I am choosing to accept my mistakes and make something positive come out of it.

3. Doing the best thing for you and hurting someone in the process doesn’t mean you are a terrible person.

Even though you feel awful for hurting or letting someone down whom you care for immensely, you had to do it. That doesn’t mean you wanted to hurt them. Letting your true feelings linger is detrimental to the both of you.

4. The most painful things in life are the ones that are caused by the people you love.

I have experienced a very emotional year. Some very good moments and some not so much. I learned a lot in this year about myself and the people who I surround myself with. I care so deeply for all of my friends and family. When it turns out that a trust has been broken or a friendship has been lost, it changes my world upside down. It makes me rethink all the time spent into that person. It is uncertain to some people just how much I care for them and that is the reason why it hurts uncontrollably when a misfortune occurs. The love you have for them should outweigh the disappointment and mishaps.

5. Everyone has an escape.

When I have thoughts that seem to never escape my mind, I write them down. It helps me to make hard decisions and accept my feelings for what they truly are.

6. You can’t change the past. So don’t consume your thoughts over things you can’t change.

I often think about my past and what it would be like if things were different. I have found in this year that I wouldn’t change one little thing. The past is essential to individuality.

7. Don’t have regrets because mistakes are what make you who you.

This year I have made a variety of mistakes. Wishing I had spent more time with a family member before it was too late or procrastinating on a midterm project. Those mistakes are lessons that have trained me to be the person I am today. I don’t regret those mistakes. Through the constant battle of self love, I am happy of who I am and if I had to choose I would choose myself.

8. It's never good to go to bed angry.

Resolve a problem or speak up if something is bothering you. Especially when it comes to relationships. This year has been a year of forgiveness and appologies and Im glad I get to share it with someone I love.

8. Everyone has a story.

During this year I have encountered people with powerful stories and experiences. Even the people that look like they have their world wrapped around their finger. Their story can benefit you in more ways than one.

I am beginning to figure this whole life thing out. And the year after this one will bring new knowledge and experiences.