Going to college will teach some of the most intense academic material you will ever face. But what a lot of people don't acknowledge is how college can provide you with lessons you didn't even realize you needed. As a freshman, this is the first time I've been away from home for a long period of time. Here are the top ten lessons I've learned during these short eight months.

1. You Can Literally Be Whoever You Want

Coming into Aquinas, I knew only seven people from my hometown who were attending as well. I was not especially close with any of them, which is basically like going into college knowing no one. This was the best thing that could have happened to me. As strange as it sounds, not knowing anyone allowed me to truly be myself without having anyone to make comments on how I "used to be" or about "how much I've changed." Since I was painfully shy and awkward in high school, I decided this year would be the year I become more outgoing and open minded (although the awkwardness still lingers around a little bit).

2. Your First Roommates May Not Be Your BFFs

I didn't have this exact idea in my head, but something similar. Although my parents had told me this more than once, for some reason I thought they had no idea what they were talking about (despite both of them having gone to college too). I put really high expectations on my roommates, and it unfortunately didn't turn out like I planned. It wasn't that we hated each other. In fact, we actually got along pretty well. However, there were some big lifestyle/personality/cleanliness differences that made it a little difficult to be around. But luckily I survived and learned my limits on what I will and won't compromise on when it comes to living with others.

3. Don't Skip Out on Orientation Activities

Now some of you may be saying "Well duh, why would I skip?" But I know others are thinking "Who cares? It's just a bunch of lame activities, it doesn't matter." I was in that same mindset for a little, but thank goodness I stuck with it. The people currently living in my hall made up most of my orientation group, and have now become some of my best friends. I'm even living with three of them next year! Not only did I make great friends, but the experiences that came with it (including working at The Children's Museum and confessing some vulnerable secrets during the last night of orientation) made it something that I'll always look back on.

4. Along That Line, Go to Every On Campus Activity That You Can

In high school, I really didn't go to any sports games, dances, or after school events. This made my social life pretty boring to say the least. But this year, I challenged myself to go to at least three different events each semester. To my surprise, I far exceeded that thanks to joining AQPB, which is the behind-the-scenes planners of the events. Because of them, I had a reason to be at AQ Idol, Refresh Yourself, Relay for Life and even Spring Formal. I've also met some of the most kind and enthusiastic people through this club. It opened my eyes to all of the fun I was missing out on. Now I get another chance to attend the events I missed out on before.

5. You Will Fail at Something...Usually More Than Once

During the year, I applied for four different jobs, both on campus and off. Did I get any of them? Nope, not one. That's right, four jobs I was rejected from, two of which I never even got called for an interview. I also tried to test out of two classes, and that didn't work out either. Just to round out the list, I applied for a Coordinator position in a club, and by now I'm sure you can guess what the outcome was. I became extremely frustrated with myself and wondered if there was anything I would achieve this year.

6. But It's OK, Because You Have Time To Fix It

Luckily, I remembered this after a long period of frustration. Who cares if I didn't get those jobs? There will be plenty waiting for me next year when I return. Didn't test out of those classes? That's fine too, I'll most likely learn more than I thought I would. In fact, one of those classes I tried testing out of ended up being one of my favorites. No Coordinator position for me? Now I'll gain more experience working in this club and I'll apply again next year. All of these failures just means there's going to be something better for me in the future.

7. People Don't Care as Much as You Think

Going to class in sweats and a t-shirt every day? Awesome. Eat in the cafeteria by yourself. Great. Play a sport but also work at the McDonald's down the street. Fantastic. The point is that college has so many different types of people with a variety of backgrounds. Everyone has a different situation going on in their life. If you want to wear pajamas to all of your classes or join literally every club on campus, no one is going to cal you out on it. College is so diverse that you don't have to worry about the petty comments that usually go around in high school.

8. There Will Be A Lot of Change

You're going to meet people you love being around, but also people you want to punch in the face. You may think you want to be a nurse after graduating, but after a few semesters realize you'd rather be a teacher. You could've been a 4.0 high school valedictorian, but receive a 3.2 after your first year of college. Be prepared that whether you like it or not, change will be constantly happening. If you embrace it rather than try and push it away, you're bound to be much happier. Leaving home and being forced to meet new people were huge changes for me. However, it made me a much stronger and outgoing person, which will only benefit me in the years to come.

9. Your Emotions Are Always Valid

Yes, you will cry. More than once or twice. But don't be ashamed of it, every college student feels overwhelmed at some point for multiple reasons. Whether it's from general homesickness or an upcoming exam, find a healthy way to express those emotions. I typically write about how I'm feeling or just stop what I'm doing and head to the gym to clear my head. Along with that, surround yourself with friends who will always be ready with a shoulder to cry on and an absurd amount of junk food. Those are the people who you'll want to keep close in the long run. Again, these emotions are completely normal, so it's ok to feel this way every once in awhile.

10. Don't Forget About Where You Come From

Although you are technically at a second home when you're in college, make sure you keep in contact with your friends and family from home. This has helped me in the worst moments of homesickness. My parents have been incredibly understanding and supportive of me. They've given great advice that can't be replicated and I'm extremely lucky to have a strong relationship with both my mom and my dad (and I guess my brothers too, but don't tell them I said that). I don't keep in touch with many people from my high school anymore, but the ones I do talk to are good people to lean on when I'm feeling down. The occasional weekend visit never hurt anyone either, so take some time for that.

These are just a few of the many lessons I've learned so far, and I can't wait to see the ones waiting for me in the future. My freshman year went by so fast. This year has had its ups and downs, but just know it can only get better from here. Good Luck!