I've been in college for six weeks now, and I've been thinking recently about high school - specifically, my last year there. I spent the whole year counting down days until graduation, that I never really realized how many important people I met or how much I learned. Senior year was my favorite year because I finally grew into my own.

1. Everybody is Struggling

I used to look at my peers, especially those who seemed like they had is all together - get into the college of their dreams, do well academically, etc - and think how great it must be it be them. I quickly realized that this simply isn't true. No one ever has their shit together. Everybody, deep down, is going through something.

2. It's Okay to Be Nostalgic

I never wanted to admit this, but I do miss high school. I was so excited to be done - everyone was. But now, being in a whole new place with all new people, I miss the familiarity of going to the same building with the same people everyday at 7am. It truly was like a second home, even though some times I hated it. After graduation, I was so sure I wouldn't think twice about that place, but I do miss it, and that is completely okay.

3. Be Yourself

It's so cliche, but it's true. In the beginning years of high school, everybody wants so badly to fit in. I know I did. I wanted to make as many friends as possible and I would be whoever I needed to be to get there. Senior year, I was certainly friendly with everyone, but I only had a really small group of friends. And I was okay with that. These people knew me inside out, they knew my true self. And that's better than anything.

4. Parties Aren't Everything

Senior year is usually the year people start really "partying" - everyone has their license, some are over 18 - it's just a year most have more freedom to what they want. I admit I was really into going to parties in the beginning, and lost sight of what having fun really is. You see snapchats of these awesome parties and wish you were there - well, I've been to these parties and they are usually never as fun as people make them look. My favorite nights have been those surrounded with my good friends, doing whatever. Parties don't mean anything.

5. Make the Most out of Every Moment