With only 3 weeks left of my freshman year of college, I can not believe how fast time has flown by. I still remember the exact moment my parents dropped me off after setting up my room, and I cried and begged them not to leave. I couldn't imagine being here from August to May, and I genuinely thought I would have to end up coming home due to homesickness. But I made it. And I have never been more proud and happier.

Freshman year was a year of firsts for everyone and everything— and while there are so many different things I have learned about myself and others, here are the top 5 takeaways that my year has taught me:

1. Everyone has a story.

When you grow up in the same area for your entire childhood, you are in a bubble. You have no idea how life is for other people and the backgrounds they are coming from, and it is so important to be conscious of it. When bragging about where you vacation over the summer or making fun of people who can afford to vacation over the summer, remember that you have no idea who is around you. Everyone has different backgrounds and different bubbles they are coming from, and it is so normal to assume everyone is the same as you. Everyone is trying to feel out what college is going to be like for them and trying to make friends, so don't pass judgments on certain types of people when they are new to all of this just like you.

2. Remember what you are at school for.

Yes, going out is so fun and making memories is important. But remember why you are spending money on an education, and do not let it slip out of your mind and fade into an afterthought. It is so easy to forget why you came to college when you have the ability to go out and hang out with your friends at all times. Try to stay on top of your work and prioritize. If that means staying in one night to get a stupid assignment done, do it.

3. Be careful of what you post.

Remember to be careful of what you're posting on social media. Your parents are probably updating your social media at all times to see what their baby is doing that day in college, and the last thing you want is your parents being disappointed by what they see. If you're underage, don't show alcohol in a picture. It looks bad, and employers have teams of people to inspect your social media. Respect your worth.

4. Get out of your comfort zone.

If you don't like going out that much, try it a few times. If you are constantly going out, try staying in a few nights to have a movie night with your friends. Find someone in your 600 person lecture and talk with them for the class, even if you will never see them again. Everyone is in the same boat, and you might even make a good friend along the way.

5. Keep an open mind.

You might become friends with other girls you never thought you would vibe with. You might decide to join Greek life and have an amazing set of sisters or brothers. Everything is an option, and it is so important to remember that college is a chance for you to have a fresh start.