A clean slate. New classes. Thousands of new faces. A new beginning waiting to be defined. As I reflect back on the past four years of my life, I can honestly say Appalachian State University defined who I am, and the person I still strive to become. I’ll never forget the friends I made, the nights I stayed up too late, the classes that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and the fun I had along the way. As I enter into the true world of adulthood, I’ll carry with me these life lessons I learned along the way.

1. Resilience Lies Within

College is a series of tests that span mentally, physically, and emotionally. Real life will be the same way. You will face bumps along the journey, and hardships are almost evident, but don’t give up. Remember how much work it took to get where you are, and how rewarding the end goal will be. Your future self will thank you.

2. Treasure the good people around you

The friends I made in college are for life. Even though we are not in the same city anymore, or doing the same things, I can still count on my fellow Mountaineers.

3. Never back down from a challenge

Will it be hard? Absolutely. Stare adversity in the face. And never be afraid to ask for help along the way.

4. Be a team player

One of the hardest life lessons is to pursue acceptance through an open mind. Be nice to everyone, for you might be unaware of their story, as they are yours.

5. Sometimes you won't be the best

There will always be someone to one-up you. Just remember that they don’t define you.

6. Your parents were right all along

To this day I still don’t understand the magical powers my mother possesses in her ability to predict the future. But guess what? She was right every single time. Realizing this is a big pill to swallow.

7. Be willing to put your heart on the line

Whether it’s for a relationship, a friendship, a new job/hobby, be willing to take a chance. If it changes your life, let it. If it doesn’t work out, you know you gave it your all.

8. Take lots of pictures

Document everything. I acknowledge this is a cliché statement, but nothing can beat looking back on your 20 something year-old-self in DIY Halloween costumes. It’s a slice of nostalgia you can have over and over again.

9. Allow yourself to fail

Failure, even the mention of the word makes me cringe. We are driven towards success and perfection. But what’s behind that success and perfection? Failure. Sometimes it takes hitting rock bottom to find your true strength. Just make sure you get back up again.

10. And most importantly, you have to do what makes you happy

Even if people disagree with you. At the end of the day, this is your life, and you have to be the one living it. Sometimes you have to go against the grain, and that’s perfectly ok.