It seems crazy that I'm moving out of my dorm room in a few days and the life I've been living for the past nine months will be over. But looking back, I am such a different person than the girl that moved in to this dorm room back in August and although it's over I'm so thankful and happy that all of this happened. Freshman year is not easy by any means, it's a constant blur of confusion and being lost, even during the last month of school. But regardless, I made it through and even learned some things throughout this crazy year.

1. Getting a random roommate doesn't always suck

I was sort of forced into going random, in a way, but I've never been so happy I was forced into something. There are so many horror stories about random roommates out there, but I'm here to tell you sometimes it actually works out. And sometimes they turn into your best friend.

2. And getting two more that live down the hall is even better

Living in a dorm is pretty weird at first but forming a family with the two girls down the hall was what really made the "dorm life" experience worth it for me. These girls will always be a part of me and even though we're not living together next year, they're not getting rid of me just yet because apartment sleepovers are going to be a common occurrence if I have anything to say about it

3. It's OK to be lost, but don't stay there

When first getting to college everything is new and confusing and a little bit scary and even though "lost" is an actual place you call home for awhile, make an effort to not feel so lost at your new home. If you need help adjusting to college life, finding out who you are, or just need to vent, talk to someone. Or if adjusting is going fine but it still doesn't feel like home for you, just know that it will feel like home soon enough and you'll be crying in May when you have to leave.

4. Don't be afraid to be who you are

Living in fear of what others will think of you is the absolute worst, and most stressful, way to live your life. Especially in a brand new chapter of your life, be who you really are and who you want to be and the right people will find you.

5. What is for you will not pass you

It took me a long time to realize this, I even got a bracelet this Christmas that reads this exact quote. Or in other words, "You're exactly where you're supposed to be". Never doubt that everything happens for a reason or that you've taken a wrong turn, because there is no wrong turn on your journey of life, it's where you're supposed and need to be. I spent way too much time this year pining after what had already passed me and I think this is a very important concept to understand, whether it be friends, sororities, or grades.

6. But don't let life pass you by

It's important to get out and be on your campus and in the place you go to school in for longer than your classes last. Running back to your dorm and laying in bed all day watching Netflix is letting the best time of your life pass you by because it shuts so many doors for opportunities, so get out of your comfort zone, explore your new home, and meet some new friends.

7. Actually trust the process

Going through sorority rush, I heard this phrase millions of times — "trust this process" that seems janky and unfair and you'll find your home. But I truly wish I would've trusted the process from the get-go and not tried to put my own spin on how things would work out or what houses would ask me back. That's not how it works. You fit somewhere and all too often the process knows before you do. Again, I spent too much time skulking about with this heavy feeling that I chose the wrong sorority for me. But more and more I realize that if I wasn't supposed to be here, then why would I be?

8. A good nail file can change lives

I had never discovered the true power of a good nail file before this year, but it truly makes you feel like you can at least control one thing that's going on around you and sometimes that's the little bit you need.

9. Don't hold yourself back

I was a chronic holder-backer and constantly held myself back from getting "too" involved in friendships because I thought maybe this wasn't the friendship for me or there was someone else I was supposed to be friends with. I would be distant and put forth less effort unconfident in my standings with this person, which would consequently make the friendship fail miserably. Every person you encounter is a potential friend and seeing it that way has made me realize that people do not cross my path on accident, so there is no need for distance and less effort, jump in head first and if it goes south, at least you know now.

10. You'll never believe you're old enough to do what you're doing

I can't believe I'm sitting here at the end of my freshman year of college when I feel like I should still be a freshman in high school. I can remember feeling that I was never really old enough to be a freshman in high school either, or going to prom, or graduating. I don't think we'll ever really feel old enough to be where we are.

11. When they say it goes by in the blink of an eye, they really mean it

I'm convinced this school year lasted two minutes and I say that with a heavy heart because I know summer will go by even faster and sophomore year even faster. Life speeds up pretty fast, stop and look around once and awhile or you could miss it all.