Looking back on the last four years, I have learned so much about myself and life, in general. My high school years were the definition of awkward, but I wouldn't be where I am today if I didn't go though it. The last four years mean more to me than pictures of my best moments. The last four years molded me, through the great and the terrible, into a person who values the special moments and people surrounding me. I've learned lessons that will last me a lifetime

1. Studying ahead of time is important.

In high school, I could ace a test without even opening my notes. The tests were easy. The material was easy. Let's face it, high school was just easy. Now, if I don't start studying at least a week before, I'm screwed. Instead of having one easy test a week, I'm having four that I need to study days in advance for if I want to pass.

2. It's OK to not fit in.

Where I went to school, everyone wore the same kind of clothes and acted the same kind of way so that they would be considered cool. I bought clothes that I only liked because it was what everyone else was wearing. College was overwhelming, at first, because each person was so unique. I still haven't met two people that are the same.

3. Lazy days are every day.

It's so funny to look back on high school and remember everyone dressed to the nines every day. I had friends that refused to wear a t-shirt more than one day a week. Currently, my entire closet consists of t-shirts that are two sized too big and athletic leggings. My straightener was missing for a month, and I never noticed because I don't even use it anymore. Not to mention, I've probably forgotten how to apply makeup, at this point.

4. Self-esteem comes from within.

No one can tell you that you're not pretty enough or smart enough or good enough. I struggled with my self-esteem more than I'd like to admit, but I've learned that there's more to life than what people think. In high school, I constantly felt judged for what I wore or what I was doing. In college, everyone is too wrapped up in trying to find themselves that no one even notices that you're not enough. We all think everyone else has it more together than we do. There's a more tight-knit community because we all just want to see each other make it.

5. It's okay to focus on yourself.

When I was a sophomore in high school, all I cared about was boys. If I wore this, the boys would pay attention to me. If I acted like that, the boys would like me. I don't care what the boys like anymore. I care what I like. Doing what's important to me has made me value each little thing I take time to do.

6. Never settle for someone who doesn't give you the world.

I'm a firm believer that you have to go through a few bad apples to know what you really like. Believe me, I had my fair share of bad apples. Although I'm embarrassed to take a stroll down my history on Lover's Lane, those mistakes helped me realize my worth. They made me realized that others need to know my worth, too.

7. Always treat yourself!

I've worked really hard to get where I am, today. I've shown myself that I'm stronger than I every thought I would be. I've come really far in the past four years. I deserve to treat myself!

8. Enjoy the little things.

It's so easy to miss out when you're waiting on tomorrow. I've always told myself that focusing only on the future will make me successful. I got so caught up in what was supposed to happen, that I didn't pay attention to what was actually happening. I missed out on more than I wanted, and it made the time fill like filler time, without any actual living in there. So take everything in, and be appreciative of the moments you get to experience.

9. Things that come easily, also go easily.

Over the years, I've come to find out that only the things you bust your butt for are the things that matter. No one remembers the thing that didn't take any blood, sweat, or tears. Put in all your effort to everything that you're doing, or it won't mean anything to you.

10. YOU make your own happiness.

This one took me a long time to learn. I went through a dark time from my senior year in high school to my freshman year in college. I never wanted to do anything or be around anyone, but I couldn't figure out why I was miserable. In the past few months, I've forced myself to come out of my shell and change into the person that I've always wanted to be. Trust me, it's the greatest thing I've ever done. The negative thoughts that I was having back then don't even bother me anymore. And, for the first time in a while, I'm not lying when I say that I'm happy.