I survived freshman year.

It's hard to believe that my first year of college is over and my second year is beginning. I can still remember the anxiety and excitement that overcame me when we drove up to drop me off at school. I was nervous about making friends and doing well in my classes.

I am happy to report things went well. I have a solid group of friends with people I can call friends for life and I love my major. But of course, I've learned three key lessons that will help me in the next year of my college career.

Lesson #1: If you need help, it's okay to ask for it.

Like many students going into college, I still had anxiety about the embarrassment of asking for help. You feel like you will get harsh judgment from your classmates so you don't ask for help when you truly need it. ASK FOR HELP. Most students take advantage of study sessions and tutoring centers in college and it always benefits you.

Lesson #2: Stay organized.

Don't take notes for all your classes in one notebook. Keep things separated. Have a planner to write things down in so you can keep track of assignments, events and exams. You will be grateful later in the year when you don't have to go rummaging through papers to find a sheet can make or break your final grade.

Lesson #3: Be open to making friends in any social environment.

If you already have a core group of friends, don't be afraid to branch out and make friends in your classes, clubs and organizations and even at parties. It's always nice to know someone in the room and you never know who you will meet.