While it seems very clichéd to say, it honestly seems like just a couple of weeks ago that I was in the midst of the chaotic excitement that was moving into my house with all of my closest friends. However, here I am, with two weeks left, about to close out my sophomore year of college. As rapidly as it went, this year has been the most incredible journey yet.

I have experienced some of the darkest lows that I have ever undergone, but I have also made some of the most amazing and unforgettable memories with some of the most genuinely caring and weirdest people that I have ever been blessed with. Through the crazy ride that has been my sophomore year, I have learned more from my experiences and the people that I surround myself with than I ever thought possible.

1. Who cares what other people are saying about your relationships?

No matter who you choose to be with, somebody will find something to criticize about you; somebody will find something to question you for. But at the end of the day, you need to understand that it is your relationship. If you are honestly happy with this person, erase the thoughts of others and focus on your own feelings.

2. Off-brand food tastes just as good as name-brand food, and it is so much cheaper.

Really though, off-brand cinnamon toast crunch and frozen waffles are just as good for half the price.

3. There are so many more fun things to do for free than you may think.

Go for a hike, go for a walk to the river, or go play Catch Phrase with your friends. If you think hard enough, there is so much more to do without your wallet than you might think. Believe me!

4. Ignore the people who think you are annoying for always wanting to take pictures.

Honestly, just take the picture. Let them whine for now; they are going to be asking you to send that picture to them an hour later.

5. Loss is inevitable.

You are going to lose people. Whether it is expected or not, it is going to happen. It is going to make you cry and make you feel as though you have been relentlessly punched in the stomach. But, you have to know that those who you may lose would want you to pick yourself up and carry on. You are still here, and you cannot take that for granted.

6. Studying the extra hour can make all the difference.

Actually though, just push through one more hour.

7. That being said, it is so important to find a balance and leave time to be with your friends.

Sometimes it is okay to go out on a Tuesday.

8. The people who you are closest to now might not be the same people you are closest to in a year.

Friendships may change and people may change. Just know that it is not out of bad blood; life just takes people different directions.

9. Walking to and from class really does not count as your exercise.

As much as you want it to, it really does not count.

10. The future is only as terrifying as you make it.

Change does not need to be a bad thing, just be ready for it to happen. It is okay to be a little scared for the future just as long as it does not freeze you in the past.

11. You have to keep going.

This is possibly the most important lesson that I have had to learn this year. Bad and terrible things might happen, but you need to keep your head up and you need to keep going. There is so much to live for, and I can promise you that things will get better.

So as I close out my sophomore year, these are the small pieces of wisdom that I have gathered for you; hope you trust me!