The spring semester is slowly dwindling down, and summer is so close, yet so far. I can't believe my first year of college is coming to an end. This has been the craziest, most exciting year of my life. I've had so many experiences, and so many new opportunities. The first year of college has taught me so much, pushed me to my limits, and helped me discover myself. I'm beyond ready to close my books for the summer, hang up my book bag, and take a mental vacation. But first, here are a few things my first year of college has taught me.

1. Being away from home is difficult, but not unbearable.

yes, there isn't a day that goes by where I don't miss my bed, my dog, or home cooked food. And my family, of course. But I always remind myself that this isn't a permanent stay away from home, it's only temporary. Plus most days I'm distracted with classes, work, and friends.

2. There are always going to be bad times, but don't let them turn into bad days.

You may get a bad grade, you may answer the question wrong, spill coffee on your papers, or simply wake up in a bad mood, and that's completely okay. It happens. However, don't let the bad things turn into a bad day. There's always something good in every day. Life is too short to be a negative Nelly.

3. You are stronger than you think but not invincible.

We all go through the phase of thinking we are invincible because we're young and there's so much ahead of us. That mindset is okay to have in a sense, as it's okay to be a strong individual, but you are not invincible. You are strong enough to get through the bad times, you are strong enough to work through certain situations, but you are not invincible.

4. College life is overly glorified in movies.

I remember watching movies and falling in love with the idea of college. A never ending fun time seemed so much better than middle school and high school. The movies are wrong. College is tough, classes are exhausting, and money seems to vanish into thin air.

5. You can't trust everyone but you can trust someone.

There are tons of new people, there are people from all over, and there are people from all different backgrounds. Of course you are going to find your group and you're going to find the people who feel like family. That doesn't mean you can trust everyone. Some people are going to be fake, and they're going to be rude, and that's fine. Find your people and stick with them. Trust me, you'll know who they are.

6. Be yourself. Focus on yourself. Love yourself.

Don't change to fit into a certain group or to fit in with the college stereotype. Be yourself. People are going to be doing different things, but focus on yourself. Focus on what is best for you and what is going to help you grow. Most importantly, love yourself. This is a life lesson most people forget, but it's the most important one. If you don't love yourself, no one else can.

7. Nothing great comes easily.

Classes are going to be tough. Time management is going to be tough. Life is going to be tough. But nothing great comes easily. Hard work now will eventually pay off in the end. This has been my mindset this year and it's helped me achieve so many great things already.

8. Step outside of your comfort zone.

Join the club you didn't think you'd like. Join the sports team you didn't think you'd made. Try out for the play even if you don't think you'll get a part. Apply to the job that you don't think you have a chance of getting. This is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and discover new things.

9. Your Mom is always right.

As much as I hate to admit this one...I have to. My mother is always right. She's my second conscious telling me when I'm overthinking, when I'm doing something wrong, and when I need a second opinion. I love you Mama Linda :) you're the best!

10. The simple things in life, truly mean the most.

The phone call from home, the good grade, the cookie, the movie, the down time, it all becomes extremely important and it means the most. College really puts everything into perspective. Appreciate the small things, and don't stress over the big things too much.