Every single day, we make decisions based on certain factors that we can or cannot change. One day, I woke up immediately upset that I never studied abroad in Italy the summer before my senior year. I was accepted into a great program, and I was never able to go. I worked my butt off to be accepted into this program. I asked professors and faculty to write me recommendation letters, I focused on my academics promising the program I would have above a 3.0 semester average when I apply, I wrote letters and essays about why I should be accepted. And finally I was.

But, it came the time to send in my deposit and get money together. I started a Go Fund Me and many people helped me out for my deposit. I was finally going! I was going to see Italy. But then, it came towards the end of March and I needed to make that decision to go. My family would never speak to me about this, so I was completely lost. I was stressed and upset. I needed to focus on my academics but get all of this done. How could I concentrate. Then, I called my dad and spoke to him, and I just made the decision to not go.

I have never regretted anything more than I regretted making this decision.

Over the summer, I had a good internship through my school, but I could not help but think that I could have been in Italy right now. I would be in Florence, traveling to Venice, and eating pizza in Rome. I regretted that summer. I regretted saying no to this wonderful opportunity that I worked so hard to achieve.

From this, I try to tell myself to never miss another opportunity -- through money, my physical ailments, or the numbers that define me as a college student. I never want to repeat the past and miss out on new things. I am telling you to never miss out on your opportunities, no matter what may be thrown your way. The reasoning to miss may be logical, but don’t feel guilty about it; other opportunities will come, and when they do, take them and run, no matter what.

Don’t turn down an opportunity due to money

This is why I never went to Italy. I am not rich and I don't have $10,000 to spare. But I should have borrowed it in a loan. I should have worked harder to get that money and go. If you don’t have $10,000 in your back pocket, just borrow it. You're in debt anyway. I can't tell you how many people have said that to me, and I wish I had listened to them. Studying abroad, going to a better school, whatever you are currently facing as your dilemma, just do it. It has been a dream of mine to visit Italy, and now I may never have another opportunity to go.

Never use your relationship as an excuse

We all have a friend who has consistently put their relationship before anything else. I know, I’m single and I don’t know the relationship life, but if you have dreams and places to be, your significant other should be happy about it! I think the best relationships work out because both parties have an understanding of determination. I can't tell you how many friends I have seen put things aside because of their significant other. Please, never do that. If they are not happy for you or proud of how hard you worked, sorry to say, but they might not be worth your time.

Don’t let any physical ailments get in your way

I’m fat, but this hasn’t stopped me from applying for jobs or wanting to hop on a plane and fly to Italy. Yeah, I may need to purchase another seat next to me, but it’s worth the money. Don’t let your physical problems, whatever they may be, get in your way. There have been so many people, especially in my family, who have questioned my choices and have doubted my ability to get a job. My attitude is, no matter how I look or how much I weigh, or anything of the sorts, I will make it in my world. I need to put myself first and my happiness first. Don't let things like being fat weigh you down. You can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.

You have worked this far to reach this opportunity – don’t throw it away

Don’t ever do this. I worked my butt off to get into my program for Italy. I was under all the requirements: GPA, testing, classes, etc. I wrote more personal statements, I asked four professors and administrators to write me a letter of recommendation; and one day, I was accepted into the program. Meanwhile, a close friend who has a higher GPA was applying to the same program (for a different time) and was accepted. If you worked your butt off to make this opportunity work, don’t let it go, because you will feel guilty afterwards. This is my biggest regret. I put so much work and I just failed. And the sad part is, I worked my butt off for a number that has defined me as a person since Kindergarten. And I had so many difficulties because of it. Don't let these numbers define who you are. You can get through it. And don't let your opportunities be thrown away.

Don’t ever say you won’t get anything.

I am a huge victim of this. Don’t be negative all the time. It’s difficult for us to remember this, and asking for a little faith in yourself is pretty hard, but you just need some hope. You never know what might happen. You might get that internship, college and graduate program, study abroad, even that dream job. If you just have some faith in yourself and put all your energy into it, you can achieve it. Out of all of it, I may have had my down moments during the application process, but I learned to never say, "I won't get it." You can do it. Just have faith and you will get there.