We all know that one song or set of songs that, when played, we are transported back into a certain season of our life. Perhaps one reminds you of driving your car with the windows down over summer break. Perhaps one reminds you of damp March nights when you stayed up studying way too late. Perhaps one spoke to the dull ache in your heart.

So instead of boring you with yet another list of the achievements, fails or lessons that would sum up my freshman year, I will take you through the soundtrack of my first year in college. Here are the songs that made me cry, dance, laugh, overcome struggles and survive Biology 183.

1. "Landslide"by Dixie Chicks

First, please don't kill me. I know that "Landslide" is not their song, but this was the first version I listened to and stuck with. Conveniently enough, this became my transition song into college. It spoke to the fears that my heart was afraid to whisper.

"Can the child within my heart rise above / Can I sail through the changing ocean tides / Can I handle the seasons of my life."

2. "Fight Song"by Rachel Platten

I think this song speaks to everyone on some level and could probably be included on everyone's freshman playlist. For me, this song came along at a time when I needed to remember the power of my own voice. I was beginning to feel tired, overwhelmed and drowned out. I must ashamedly admit that I had to listen to the one hour loop a few times.

"I might only have one match / But I can make an explosion."

3. "Times" by Tenth Avenue North

As Christians, we feel as though we have failed if we are tired and worn out. When we are going through a period of spiritual dryness, we can feel so far away from God. I love this song because it moves through the emotions of feeling distant, seeking God and then hearing His voice. I would love to add all of the lyrics, but here is just the first few, and it only gets better from here.

"I know I need you / I need to love you / I'd love to see You, but it's been so long."

4. "Worn" by Tenth Avenue North

Ditto to everything I said about the previous song. This one specifically speaks to when we are stuck in the middle of something tough and our hope has dissipated. It is a good reminder that when we feel like life is about to defeat us, our best hope is to turn to God, even when we are tired.

"I know I need to lift my eyes up / But I'm too weak / Life just won't let up / And I know that you can give me rest / So I cry out with all that I have left."

5. "Good People" by Jack Johnson

OK, to be real, you could include most of his songs from "In Between Dreams." And I am probably a little late on this bandwagon, but his music is the perfect lazy afternoon feel good music. This one reminds me of way to humid laundry rooms and last-minute biology homework. Enough said.

6. "Sourwood Mountain" by Frank Proffitt

I know you did not see this coming, but I have to admit my secret love for bluegrass. Something about preparing for spring break made me start craving for some old-timey bluegrass. I was trying to find a version of "Sourwood Mountain" to listen to and decided I liked his version best. I love this song in particular because it is one that makes you want to dance. But I also love all of his other songs. Other good recommendations include "Cluck Old Hen" and "I'm Going Back to North Carolina."

"Chickens a crowin' in the Sourwood Mountains / Ho de hum a diddle um a day."

7. Cold Beer Conversation" by George Strait

King George gave us an early Christmas present last September with the release of his album "Cold Beer Conversation." Sadly enough, it took until nearly January for me to hear it on my local country station, and then they only played the album title song. Instead of ranting about the state of our modern country, I will just kindly implore you to listen to his new album. My top three favorites include "Cold Beer Conversation," "Even When I Can't Feel It" and "Everything I See." They all spoke to my heart in different ways but became favorites, because who can't say no to a voice like George's?

"Trying to find our place in this crazy old world / A little truth, a little frustration / Cold beer conversation."

8. "Big Cheeseburgers and Good French Fries" by Blaze Foley

I have this thing for very folky music, especially old country artists that were very folky and not super popular. This song demonstrates my interesting journey into the archives of country music, from Lacy J. Dalton, Guy Clark and Blaze Foley. They conjure memories of sitting in the Student Center trying to convince myself to study and trying to figure out the campus Internet system. I decided to include this one song because it is one of those songs you listen to when you need to laugh.

"I like to drink beer, hang out in bars / Don't like buses, and I don't like cars / Don't like presidents, don't like stars / Never had stitches, but I do got scars."

9. "Just Like Them Horses" by Reba McEntire

Another legend gave us yet another gem. I cannot relate to this on the same level as one who would have lost a parent or very dear family member, but the emotion in Reba's voice is just as stirring, which is why it was one of may favorite songs for a few weeks.

"If you love me, don't you be afraid / To look in my eyes and open up the gate / Then watch me ride beneath a newborn sun / Just like them horses / When it's time to run."

10. "Bent" by Matchbox Twenty

So right after spring break I went through this very weird '90s and early 2000s pop/alternative rock stage. I say weird because this occurred right after my hardcore bluegrass stage. The song that got me started on the journey was "Breathing" by Lifehouse, but my favorite band wound up being Matchbox Twenty.

"Can you help me, I'm bent / I'm so scared that I'll never / Get put back together."

11. "Me Quiero Enamorar" by Jesse Y Joy

Yes, I know that this song is in Spanish, but I had to include it because it echoes the perfect sentiments of single people everywhere. The title, "I Want to Fall in Love" illustrates the simple desire to love someone as opposed to other songs that complain, lament or even justify their single status. The lyrics ask if love is for everyone and why it is taking love so long to find them. It really is a beautiful song, and you should listen to it even if you don't know Spanish. The lyrics are much prettier in Spanish, but I'll put them in English.

"How long will it take / Or is it not for everyone? / Why do you hide from me? / Where are you? / I want to love and give everything without thinking / I want my heart to change places with someone special / I want to wake up, I want to find you and I want to fall in love."

12. "America's Sweetheart" by Elle King

This song, along with "Ex's and Oh's," helped launch Elle King prominently into the music scene. I included this one because my new best friend from college introduced me to it. But moreover, we joke that she is "America's Sweetheart." This song makes me think of her and flying down the highway while singing off key.

"My hands are dirty and my heart is cold / Them boys I've been with say I got no soul / When I need another honey at the bar / I'll think it's funny when I break his heart."

And lastly,

13. "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton

There is absolutely no way I could leave this playlist without including at least one Dolly Parton song. Although people think this song should be played around Christmas, in truth, this is a song to sing whenever you are feeling down and out and need a pick up. Even when life gets hard and we can't seem to make it through, remember that even Dolly Parton is cheering us on — fake nails and all.

"I'll be fine and dandy/Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas/I'm barely getting through tomorrow/But still I won't let/Sorrow get me way down."

Well there is my formula for surviving my freshman year of college. Looking back over these past few months, are there any songs that have spoken to your heart, caused you to dance or cemented a certain memory?

Because like a wise man once sang,

"Everytime I hear that song, I go back / We all have a song that somehow stamped our lives / Takes us to another place and time."