Forewarning, this is a bit of a personal memoir. Continue at your own risk.

Junior year of college.

Man, what a time.

While I am beyond thankful that junior year of college has come to a close, I’m forever indebted to this year for the memories, triumphs, successes, and most importantly, the lessons learned.

I could easily write about junior year and the “knowledge” I gained for hours. Unfortunately, most of this article will in fact not contain any information about human anatomy and physiology, statistics, professional development, or motor development. I figure I’m doing you a service in not including these brilliant drops of knowledge. Instead, I’ll give you something I personally find a little more valuable – actual life lessons I learned during my junior year of college and tid bits of advice to go along with them.

Junior year taught me to swallow my pride. I learned that people with disagree with me, they will flat out not like me, they will form nothing short of upsetting and disgusting opinions of me, and they will voice said opinions in whichever way they see fit, be that via social networking, text message, voice call, or even in person. Junior year taught me to say “screw ‘em.”

Junior year taught me that the times of distress and pain are more than worth it for the times of pure bliss that follow. I won’t lie, junior year kicked my ass (and the behinds of most of my close friends) It’s not even that horrible events occurred necessarily; I’d say sophomore year took care of that. But this was the year I faced them. Was that a whole other ballgame or what. Who am I kidding? It still is. But I guess if junior year taught me anything, it’s that the times that suck are more than worth the brilliant and happy times that follow. Facing your struggles is far more rewarding than shoving them off for later. From someone who (now) knows all too well, there are great benefits to reap when one can learn to face their demons. My advice? Do it now. Life is waiting.

Junior year taught me that total, unadulterated failure is to be expected. I fell flat on my face this year (figuratively and literally) numerous times. Getting up is a real pain, but again, moving right along is far more rewarding than sitting in the dirt you fell in.

Junior year taught me that there will be a gross misunderstanding between you and a lot of people, especially (especially) if you put yourself in the position to be misunderstood. Keep moving, keep doing your thing, and keep on keepin’ on.

Junior year taught me that great friends are few and far between, so hang on for dear life. They are worth it, even if they sometimes eat your cookie dough or annoy you on a daily basis.

Junior year taught me that delayed grief is so real. Grief for a loved one, for an old version of yourself, hell, for your dog. Whatever it may be, grief knows no time frame, and it knows no specific person. Even if it means you spend an entire day in bed sobbing your brains out until you believe you are literally dehydrated and until there is no more Grey’s or Parks and Rec to be watched, so be it. Let yourself feel.

Junior year taught me to find the things you love and most importantly, to stick with them. If running is the only thing that makes you feel the most like you or the happiest or the most joyful or WHATEVER, do it every. single. day.

Junior year taught me to slow down. Because let’s face it: how in the hell am I going to be a senior already?

Junior year taught me that relationships (particularly long distance) are hard (any married person reading this right now is laughing at me). And yes, I’m including the long distance relationship with my family in this (hey Iowa). Call your grandma. Call your mom. Call your dad. Call your fourth cousin, twice removed. CALL ALL THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE. Oh, call that stellar boyfriend, too (and compromise on who travels to one another).

Junior year taught me that 1am Domino’s and a glass of cheap-o Riesling are just necessities sometimes. Hey, it happens.

Junior year taught me that nothing beats good conversation. Additionally, nothing beats good people. I found the people I love the most and I shared my triumphs and failures with all of them. And it was awesome.

Junior year taught me the most important thing of all: to seek help in every area that you can. Ask the questions you think are stupid (because albeit cliché sounding, it’s true, no question is stupid). Ask your friends to listen to you. Be the friend that listens to them, too. Self-help. And by that, I do not mean self-medicate. Self-help yourself by doing things that make you feel good. This includes but is not limited to a kick-butt exercise regimen that you enjoy, fueling yourself with nutritious foods, meditation, coloring, and allowing yourself to feel whatever you are feeling. You deserve it. Find yourself a phenomenal therapist if need be. And most importantly, be good to yourself. College is hard. You learn so much in a period that flies by, and sometimes yes, that’s hard to digest. So give yourself a break, work hard, find good friends, don’t settle, and enjoy yourself.

Junior year, I shan’t miss you. But thanks for the lessons, I’ll hang on tight to ‘em.