Nostalgia: (noun). a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.
We all go through different life experiences. We all struggle. We all thrive. We all laugh, and we even cry. Through the trials and tribulations, we usually have some memories and lessons learned at the end. Sophomore year has been one crazy ride for me. I am now sitting on my bed wondering what it would be like if things had gone differently, and at the same time, counting my lucky stars that my yellow brick road led me to where I am today. I wouldn't ask for anything different to have happened because I learned and changed and lived, and that's all anyone can ask for these days.
Here are some things I learned from my past year as a sophomore that I think can apply to everyone in their life journey; whether you are graduating, starting college or in your limbo stage.
1. Breaking down in the library is okay.
Yes, we have all been here before. Whether or not you actually bawled your eyes out among the pages of thousands of books, doesn't matter. You can break down whenever and wherever. We are human, and we are flawed. If you bottle everything up, you will regret it.
2. Just like seasons, people change.
I started this year with a pretty large group of friends. Now, I know who my true friends are (the ones who will actually be my bridesmaids). Yes, my mistakes led to some downfalls. Yes, people did some pretty hurtful things to me. The difference between this year and last year is that I realized I deserve better, and I wasn't going to stop until I got better. I changed and grew up and moved on.
3. You can be different.
I think freshman year placed so much pressure on all of us. We thought we needed to wear big t-shirts and leggings everyday (I'm not saying to stop doing this, because it is love), and that we couldn't dress up or we would get judged. Who really cares? At the end of the day, you should be comfortable and happy with you and whatever else comes with that doesn't really matter.
4. Shake it off.
Do I really need to elaborate on this one? Taylor Swift says it all in her fabulous single.
5. Hold your head up high.
You are beautiful, and if it ever comes down to it, and there is an 'average' door and a 'beautiful door' (thanks Dove), walk through the beautiful door. As hard as it may be, don't let the world drag you down.
6. "Breathe in. Breathe out. Move on."
(Jimmy Buffet)
7. Do what is best for you.
I learned this the hard way. I had to make some tough decisions this year that made some people unhappy. When it came down to it, they didn't matter. They could have chosen to be happy for me but they didn't and that isn't my problem anymore. I have stopped living for other people and have started living for me. I can tell you that looking back ten years from now, I am going to be a whole lot happier.
8) Call your mother. I am the first to advise this and the last to follow through with this. My mom has been my rock this year. She has shown me how to respect myself more than ever and how to be happy and confident with the choices I make. I couldn't have gotten through the past month without her support and advice. I really do take her for granted, but I am working on changing that. I love you, Mom!
9) Remember, tomorrow is another day.
Today may make you feel like you are going to crash and burn into a million little pieces but always keep in mind that the sun will rise again tomorrow, and you will keep moving. I have lost sight of the future a time or two this year, and remembering that the Earth will still keep turning has kept me going.
All in all, sophomore year has been hard. It has made me want to give up. It has made me want to quit and throw in the towel. I haven't yet and now I am almost done with the year. The fact that I can stand here today and say "I made it," is enough for me.
I will keep making mistakes, and I will keep having triumphs. At the end of the day, all I can say is thank you. Thank you sophomore year for keeping me grounded and teaching me a thing or two about how the world works and how strong I am. You will not be forgotten.
