This past week, in an effort to procrastinate for finals, I started going through old documents on my computer. I found a mess of old papers from my FYS, Power Point presentations from my Religion class, and articles from my internship. But what I was surprised to find was my very own application to Wake Forest.

Now I'm sure you all remember the terribly long supplement that accompanied the Wake application, and I'm sure you are rolling your eyes remembering the grueling hours that it took to answer the questions that went along with it. But if I could guess, there is probably one question in particular that is coming to your mind when you think of your application. The most popular question on the list, Wake's infamous "Top Ten." Well lucky for you, it just so happens that I found my Top Ten list, and in looking over it, I still found many of the things to be applicable.

The top ten things I learned in high school.

1. Being a role model doesn't come with a pause button.
2. Some of the best ways to express my faith occur outside of the structure of Sunday Mass.
3. Following your passion always leads to fulfillment, even if it means taking the more difficult route.
4. The definition of family is not bound to blood relations; true friends become a part of your family as well.
5. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable by taking on the persona of someone else through theater can help you find your own voice.
6. The best way to influence behavior is through positive encouragement.
7. A great teacher's influence expands beyond the classroom.
8. Spirit Week, a week full of games and friendly competition between students and faculty, can turn a class of acquaintances into a class of sisters.
9. Teammates are the motivation that inspires you to reach your potential.
10. A tub of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Therapy is the only way to make it through finals.

Although college is basically a new realm compared to the all-girls private school that I spent the six years before college at, it has been just as much as a learning experience, if not more. And although you wouldn't expect it, especially coming from a school with as much prestige as Wake Forest, most of the things I have learned here at Wake have been outside of the classroom.

So don't fret if your struggling through finals, at the point of no hope. Remember that it's going to be okay if you don't make those straight As this semester. The world will not end. Just listen to my 18-year-old self and grab a pint of Ben and Jerry's from the POD. I promise, it will make you feel at least a little bit better.