Growing up comes with a lot of changes, some more uncomfortable than others, and a lot of this “growing up” happens in college. Nonetheless, these changes are inevitable and help us grow into the people we are meant to be. Personally, I’ve had trouble with the reality of entering adulthood that occurs in college, but I’m thankful for everything my experiences have taught me.

1. We’re all going through this together.

Whether it is waking up for an 8am class or regretfully eating pizza at the dining hall for the fourth night in a row, we’re all going through the college experience together. With that being said, we can lean on each other for guidance and a good laugh whenever we need it—we don’t have to do this alone.

2. Mistakes are okay.

College is a big time to figure out who we are and what we want in life. To do so, we might have to make a few mistakes before we get to where we want to be. I used to fear making mistakes because I always wanted to be perfect, but once I let that thought go I found myself to feel more free and at peace with my decisions.

3. Once you make a decision, own it.

Such mistakes come with decisions, which are an inevitable part of our lives, so no matter what the decision, it’s important to just roll with it. We need those bad decisions that lead to mistakes that lead to lessons because otherwise we wouldn’t learn anything on our own.

4. We have more responsibility than what we’re used to.

College opens the doors to so many new and exciting experiences, and with that comes a lot of responsibilities. That’s not to say we can’t still have slumber parties with girlfriends and talk about boys while eating a large pizza and watching The Last Song, but we can't do this every night. We need to start prioritizing and taking initiative for our own lives.

5. If you are passionate about what you are studying, don’t let others tear you down about it.

When I tell people that I’m studying English and Psychology, I usually get asked what I can do with those degrees. The truth is, I can do a lot of different things, but right now I am enjoying what I’m learning and I know things will work out for me. Yes, I’ll have to go back to graduate school, but that isn’t atypical. I love learning and I trust the process, and it’s not worth stressing over.

6. You can’t do everything.

It’s important to get involved with things on campus or in the community, but it’s unrealistic to do everything. I used to want to be a part of everything and I couldn’t decide on a major because I just wanted to do so many different things, but in the process I lost sight of where my true passion lies. Everyone can do something, but I think it’s better to be fully committed to a few things than to do a little bit of everything without giving your full effort into it all.

7. Love yourself.

You’re all you got, so it’s better to spend your time loving yourself than hating yourself. Life has so much to offer and the power to experience those things lies in our hands. I’m not saying it’s easy, but once you find that love for yourself within you, everything becomes that much easier and you feel that much lighter. We only have one shot at this life, and spending time dwelling on the past or hating ourselves for what we’re not won’t take us where we want to go.

8.Don’t rush things.

I never thought the day for college would actually come, but now that I’ve completed two years, I find myself wanting these years to last forever. Of course I’d love to get less homework and have more free time, but once I’m done the real world is out there waiting. I’ll be ready when that time comes, but for now I’m going to enjoy my college years as they try to pass me by.

Take some wise words from the great John Mayer: we’re in the age of worry, and we should “sing out in the age of worry, and say worry why should I care?”