It’s hard for me to believe that I will be starting my first, last semester at Claflin University in a few weeks. I’ve grown so much as an individual and as a student, and I know I have so much more to learn this year. Last year I saw the impact of writing down your goals and making them come to life. By doing this I got to attend my first professional women's conference, took my first plane ride, started my own campus organization and hosted two events on campus. I could not have achieved any of my goals if it wasn’t for hard work, faith, and a lot of discipline. Here are few goals to inspire you in the new semester!

1. Travel to another country or go on a state-wide road trip.

Get to know your hometown because this may be the last time you get to stay there for awhile. Take a day trip to the beach, have a picnic at your local park, or have a coffee date at your local coffee shop.

2. Save up money to buy a passport or get your previous one updated.

Miss a few morning coffee dates and start a Travel Fund so you can finally start making plans and travel to that place you've been longing to go to for years.

3. Overcome your public speaking fears.

Practice speaking in front of others by volunteering to do more speaking appearances. Join a Toastmasters club, read books, and study the best public speakers. Always remember that practice makes perfection!

4. Find a side hustle.

Because who couldn’t use a little extra cash in their bank account? If you have Wi-Fiand a skill, you can start a side hustle. Get a planner, buy some business cards, and reach out to potential clients. Who knows? Your side hustle may even lead to a full-time business?

5. Find a mentor or connect with someone in your prospective career field.

Find someone you admire and can picture yourself working in their position someday.

6. Find your passion.

What's something that you're passionate about? Is it cooking, sports, writing or philanthropy? Maybe you just love to help people? Whatever it is, go for it. Don't just leave your interests in the classroom. Your passion might just lead you to your purpose!

7. Write a letter to younger self.

It's great to look back on all the memories you've made and see how far you've come along in your college journey. What have you learned throughout these four years? What advice would you give to your younger self?

8. Let go of bad habits like procrastination, laziness, worry and anxiety.

The further along I get in my college career the more I realize how procrastination gets me nowhere in life. It's OK to slack off a little but don't make it a habit of constantly putting things off. Make a syllabus calendar for all of your class assignments, set and meet deadlines, and break down your goals into small steps.

9. Grow in your relationship with Christ.

God carried you through four long years of final exams, stress, and financial aid. What makes you think that he won't carry you along another four years? Even if you don't know where you're going or what your post-grad plans are, continue to trust God because he has an amazing plan for you! Spend at least 30 minutes a day in prayer or reading your bible. It does help and God understands your everyday struggles as a college student so leave it all at his feet.

10. Embrace the journey! Every single part of it!

The ramen noodle dates, waking up for 8 a.m. classes, the all-nighters and the crazy dating experiences. Some of the things we hate the most about college are the same things we'll be talking about years from now. Before you know it you'll have responsibilities and a mortgage to pay. Be selfish while you can and start living!

*Bonus*

11. Graduate with a BANG!

And I don't just mean graduate with all honors or with a job offer. Those are all great things but don't graduate without knowing who you really are. Find your worth, get lost in your purpose, and know yourself! Invest in yourself by taking different classes so you can acquire new skills while you have the chance. These are some of the best years of your life, so take advantage of every chance you have to really develop into a better person!

What are some of your goals for this year? Let me know in the comments below!