Just yesterday I stood in my crusty new dorm room, crying out of fear for what was yet to come as I watched my parents walk away and out of my daily life.

In that moment I was more scared than I have ever been in my entire life because I was being forced into the real world. I had no idea how it worked. Well, I blinked and just yesterday turned into nine months ago and now my freshman year is coming to a close.

Crazy. I've learned more about the real world, life, and myself in these past nine months than ever before so I thought I would share with y'all that I learned (warning: emotional and personal stuff coming up).

1. How to be a true Southerner

As a northerner, moving down south was HARD. I always thought the whole 'north vs. south' thing was dumb and just over exaggerated.

But, let me be the first to say that there is a huge difference both culturally and socially. I had to learn how to do the little things, like say "y'all" and walk a little bit more slowly. I also learned some southern tendencies the hard way.

Southerners are more "fake," less direct and less honest. They will sugar coat everything and say stuff like "bless your heart," which really is calling you stupid. But the most important thing I've learned from the south is how to save face.

Be the bigger and better person, even if life is slapping you straight in the face.

2. Not everyone is going to like you (and you won't like everyone)

My first semester college was so exciting everyone was friends with everyone. College was so exciting to me I wanted to be friends with everyone and because of where I grew up and how I was raised, everything already was sunshine and rainbows.

College came around and I soon realized that real life isn't like that at all. I can't be friends with everyone, and I need to stop trying so hard for everyone to like me. Not everyone is going to, and that's ok.

3. You can't please everyone

Again with the whole sunshine and rainbows thing. My whole life I was able to do everything for everyone and seemed to keep everyone in my life happy. That didn't last in college though. I found myself exhausted trying to please everyone, and stretched myself out too far. Freshman year I learned how to appropriately put myself first in certain situations. After all, they are your 'selfish' years.

4. Grades first, always

The first semester of freshman year is easy. You have your FYE class that helps you transition into college. You have your easy A classes. My second semester starts and it's a whole other story. My grades slipped spring semester and I just gave up. I let other stuff get in the way of my work ethic and grades. Don't let this happen. Put your grades first, always.

5. ........but also rally

Go out on a Wednesday. Get a solid two hours of sleep. Rally until you can't rally anymore because freshman year is your first glimpse at freedom. Soak it up.

6. Stand up for yourself

7. Be open

Be open to new ideas and new experiences. Keep an open mind.

8. Communication is key

9. Remind yourself of who you are and where you come from

In college, it's easy to get caught up in the chaos and lose who you are.

10. People will hurt you, and your parents are no longer there to protect you

11. Take care of yourself

12. GO TO CLASS

seriously. Your future self will thank you. Stop being lazy.

13. Make a budget

14. It's all about quality, not quantity

15. You will graduate

Cs get degrees!