1. How many times do you smile every day?

Once, twice, 10, 30 times? What about laugh? When's the last time your stomach was aching from a horrific laugh that had you in tears? If the answer to that is today, you're on the right track. It's like we don't acknowledge the moments when we're truly happy, but we dwell on the tragic events. College is a whirlwind, and the times that we catch ourselves with the most genuine smiles are the ones to put in our back pocket for a rainy day. Recognize the instances when life couldn’t possibly get any better, and be thankful.

2. My friends NEVER let me dismiss a compliment.

Sweat pants and a pony tail is not my best look, but you can bet your bottom dollar my friends won't let me leave the house without letting me know I'm going to ace my test. And remind me that my outfit doesn't count towards the grade. Having encouragement from those around you is a necessity. Don't surround yourself with negative attitudes that drag you down with them. If your friends eat the burnt dinner you worked so hard to cook and still thank you, consider yourself lucky and surround yourself with people, like that, who spread positive energy.

3. The simplest things matter to me.

That makes me a typical sentimental girl, and I'm unashamed. When I first started touring college campuses, I kept reminding myself of this picture I'd painted in my mind of what I thought my dream university would look like. As soon as I stepped foot on a campus I waited for some sort of feeling to encompass me. It was discouraging after several let downs and I began to wonder if my painting was unrealistic. But when I arrived at Georgia Southern, I felt as if I had driven into my own driveway; I was home. The trees lining the cobblestone sidewalks, the flag poles around Sweetheart Circle and unfamiliar faces that welcomed me with warm smiles immediately proved to be my canvas. The architecture of campus buildings and the library overlooking two lakes remind me how comfortable I am here.

4. I love my hometown.

There's absolutely no other place on earth I would have rather grown up, but let me tell you about the Statesboro Blues during the summer months. When you're ready to get back to constantly fanning the gnats off your face and the sun beating on your skin, that's love. There's something special about the community and being a part of traditions with the best people you'll ever meet.

5. Could you picture yourself anywhere else?

So far my college experience has been everything I hoped for and so much more. I don't believe I would be able to wholeheartedly say that if I wasn’t attending Georgia Southern. There's so much to offer in that little town that I love, and the people that make me smile and lift me up each day continue to prove that I made the right choice. I've never been more sure than right now that I'm exactly where I should be.