When I say "younger self," I really mean who I was before this past year. About a year ago, I became a college gal. You always hear stories about how much college changed a person or made someone have a huge realization and you do not fully comprehend this idea. It's hard to relate to something you have never experienced yourself or something that seems quite bizarre.

But it's so true - if you put yourself out there and truly have the desire to grow as a person, you learn so much. If I could give myself any type of wisdom a year ago, this is what would be:

1. Good things come from heartbreak.

What feels like the absolute worst heartbreak you will ever face in your entire life is actually a formulation for something even better. I have had my heart broken a time or two since being in college but every time after I recover, I am so much better than I was before. I am wiser, stronger, happier, more loving, more fearless and so much more knowledgeable. You learn from experiences and sometimes those experiences just aren't good, but that is okay. You'll be okay.

2. Plans change.

Change is often very hard to cope with. So many people tend to stay in their comfort zones because of fear. Fear that something new will not be as good. Fear that something new will not work out. Fear that something new isn't the right option. You may have your whole life planned out and while that definitely helps the direction in which you go, plans so often change. It's okay for your plans to change. In the end, it's all about what makes you happy and the kind of person you are. There is no shame in changing your mind, that's just you figuring yourself out.

3. Do what makes you happy.

It's very common that people shape who they are based on who they are around. You seek out other peoples opinions. It's okay to look for guidance and advice but it's not okay to change yourself or your opinions because someone else doesn't agree with you. Be your own person. Do what makes you happy, not what someone else wants you to do. Being yourself is what makes you stand out and makes you so unique.

4. Try as many different things as you can.

You will never know what you want or who you truly are if you do not put yourself out there. Join clubs, reach out to people, go on trips, make new friends, let go of things and move on. Seek out every opportunity possible and never say no because of fear. Try it all out and figure out your place.

5. Be bold, be fearless.

Do not let fear hold you back. Living in fear is living in bondage and you will never be able to move forward. Live fearlessly knowing that God has paved your road. Always be bold. Be different and true to yourself. Boldness is by far the most important leadership quality anyone could ever have. Being bold shows strength, passion, confidence and just how unique of a person you are. Always go for it.