2017 has to have been one of the most challenging, exciting, and confidence building years. There were many trials and successes. I grew in ways I never thought that I would. Here are 17 things that I learned in 2017.

1. Don't be afraid to pursue your dreams.

As a first year in college, I was set on being a chemistry major. I realized later that I disliked it. I decided to take a huge step over the summer. I took my passion for film and photography and made it apart of my studies. Now I enjoy my classes more than I ever. Don't let people tell you to keep things hobbies, make them an everyday reality.

2. Be quick to listen and slow to speak.

This year I learned to listen to what others have to say. Listen to others' opinions, even if they go against your own. You never know what you will miss if all you do is continuously share your own opinion. Be slow to speak but quick to listen.

3. It is okay to ask for help.

Trying to do everything on your own is never a good thing. This past year I learned to ask for help at school and with my mental health. I took the step to reach out and get the medication I needed to help my anxiety and depression. I asked for help when I knew that I needed the motivation to get out of bed. Asking for help may be scary at first, but it's something you will be proud you gained the strength to do. It is okay; you can do this.

4. Sometimes, just being there for someone is all they need.

If you are like me, you try to fix every single problem. Sometimes, all people need is for you to be there to give them a hug, a smile, or some company. Listen to what other people need. Like number 2, be quick to listen and slow to speak.

5. Take time to grow.

If all you ever do is help others, where is your growth? Take time for yourself. It takes both sunshine and rain for flowers to grow. Through the trials, there is always a sunny day ahead. You can do this.

6. Remember to love yourself.

“Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself." -Harvey Fierstein

Work on loving yourself and once you do nobody can define your worth.

7. Through trials and moments of fear, we are one.

Terror, attacks, bombings, protests, and so much more has happened this year. We have seen communities come together. Race, origin, gender, and age have no boundaries. Together in the face of fear, we are one.

8. Take risks.

Risk stepping out of your comfort zone and do something that you would never picture yourself doing. For example, I applied to be a camp counselor for the summer. This both terrifies and excites every bone in my body. Growth comes out of the most unexpected places.

9. Get off social media.

Take some time to cleanse your soul and experience the great outdoors. Go for a walk, ask someone to dinner, talk to your parents, just take the first step! Your social media will still be there when you get back.

10. Life is short.

You never know when something will happen. Love often, love always, love strong. One thing that I learned this year is that there is never enough time.

11. Write your heart out.

The greatest therapy for me is writing everything down. Writing helps me establish my thoughts and see them rather than having them stuck in my head. The greatest advice I got from a friend was to write in the notes on my phone every day.

12. Call home.

Call home and not just when you're homesick. Check-up and ask how things are going, what's new, and share the same. College is and will always be stressful. Take a break and call home.

13. Go home.

If you're lucky enough to be close enough to visit home, do it! Take some time to get away from everyday stresses. Hug your parents, love your pet, and enjoy the company, for they are surely enjoying having you home.

14. Take time for yourself.

The best thing you can do is take time for yourself. Say no to invites, close yourself off in a quiet place, watch a movie in a fort, and put in some headphones and listen to your favorite tunes. You do not need to surround yourself with people 24/7. Sometimes, you need a break from other people.

15. Give hugs, ask for hugs.

You may not know why you are feeling down, but ask for a hug! It may not be much, but it will help you feel better. Don't be afraid to ask for them either, or ask others. You never know when someone may be needing one.

16. Money doesn't define you.

I have had some major financial struggles while trying to pay for both college and other things I've needed. I've learned that it doesn't matter how much money you truly have. You could be the richest person on the planet, but none of that matters if you aren't the best person you can be. Money does not define you, your friends, or me.

17. Reflect and pray.

This has been one of the most important things I have learned in 2017. Taking time to sit and pray and ask God for guidance has not only helped me in my everyday life but my spiritual one as well. My faith has grown tremendously since the start of the year.