Wow. I am no longer a college freshman. That blows my mind.

Throughout my first year, I've met the most incredible people, experienced soaring highs and heartbreaking lows, and learned so much about myself along the way. Sometimes I was driving the hot mess express, but most of the time I made it. College is truly the time when people start to become who they were meant to become, and it has been a blessing to see that change start in myself and in those around me. Here are some things I've learned so far on the way.

1. Don't talk behind someone else's back.

Growing up everyone always says, "don't talk behind your friends' backs," and it's true. One of the most toxic experiences in high school was when rumors started flying about everyone in my friend group, and no one had the guts to say anything to anyone about it until we were all in tears. If you have something to say to someone, it's not doing them any good if you hold your tongue. That's not to say that you should just go off at another person by any means, but go to them out of a place of love and address the issue because ultimately, no one else needs to be brought into the situation who wasn't already involved, and gossiping opens all sorts of nasty doors for rumors and lies. Furthermore, it's saving you from the awkward conversation after they find out what you said.

2. Enjoy the mornings that are just you and your coffee.

Let's be honest, college is a busy time. There is always something to do or study, and it's hard to find alone time. This past year I've learned to just embrace my quiet time in the morning. I have never really had time to myself in the morning to just enjoy prior to this year, but it is seriously a blessing. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I woke up, ate my breakfast, drank my coffee, watched the news, did my homework, and didn't get out of my PJs and slippers until noon.

3. Find what you love, and do it to the fullest extent.

That's what college is for right? I went to college thinking that I was going to be a Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics double major. Haha. No. I learned quickly that although I was interested in that, my passions lay elsewhere, and it was my time to explore. It's tough to realize that your dream maybe isn't actually your dream, but it's also okay to live your life and go where you feel called. It's also okay to be interested in more than one thing. Don't let the cliche of your major define what makes you happy or where you feel you need to be involved.

4. Be okay with what you believe.

High School was not the time for me to be a loud and proud Christian. I went to a super liberal high school where you didn't even have to open your mouth for someone to be upset with you for what you believed or practiced. We live in a world where there are so many different cultures and identities that people can assume, and it's so beautiful. It's okay to be proud of your beliefs, and I'm sad it took me until college to realize that. That's not to say that there isn't a time and place to express them because there definitely is, but be content with who you are. Furthermore, it's important to respect what others believe as well and get to know them before you judge them.

5. Live to serve others, not yourself.

College is a selfish time. It's easy to be super me-centric and only focus on what you need to do, where you need to go, and how you're going to do it. I promise you life is lived so much better when the point is to serve others even in the littlest ways. That's not to say that sometimes people don't need "me" time, (see #2) but if a friend seems like they need a coffee date, give them an hour of your time. Be aware of your words and try not to burden those who are already stressed with your stress. Stop putting complaints in the air without solutions because then you're just filling the world with problems. Carry a box for someone. Pray over someone. It's so easy.