Sophomore year has definitely been one for the record books. I have learned so much more in one year than I thought possible, and I am not talking about my academics. This has been a year of growth and discovery, and I wouldn't change a thing.

This year started off as any other would: the excitement of moving in with friends, starting new classes and becoming involved in new things. Never would I have imagined that this year would change my life and the way I viewed the world around me. I moved in with a bunch of close friends and started the semester with a positive attitude. I believed that this year was going to be my year and I was going to live up college life to the extreme.

The first thing I learned real quick was that sometimes friends are meant to stay just friends, not roommates. I love my friends very much and I was super excited to move in with them. However, a few weeks in I realized that there were little things here and there that started to irritate me. Because they were my friends, I decided it would be best for me to keep quiet about my feelings so it wouldn't affect my friendship with them.

The second thing I learned was if something is meant to be it will be. Just because something doesn't go your way at first doesn't mean it wasn't meant to happen. Sometimes things just take patience and trust. I learned to not get discouraged if one door closes because soon enough another door will open for a better opportunity.

I also learned that it is okay to let other people in. This year I learned to let an entirely new group of people into my lives. They have been there to support me in all my endeavors and have been there to pick me up when I am down. I normally don't let people in but these girls have changed that and have changed me.

You are not tied down by anything or anyone. If you don't like you major you don't have to stick with it. You can choose to do anything your heart desires. You should be pursuing something that makes you happy. Also, just because you are with someone for a while doesn't mean that you will be with them for the rest of your life. You can easily fall in love again. Follow your heart and not what you think is safe or easy.

Don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Whether that be in your academics or with different leadership opportunities don't be afraid to try. Even if it doesn't work out in your favor you still tried and you became a better and stronger person because of it.

Be crazy. Go out and do something you normally wouldn't. You only live once so why to live your life boringly. Go out partying, get drunk (if you are over 21. Talk to different people, join new clubs. Do You want a tattoo or piercing? Go get it. Don't look back in a couple years and say "Wow, I should've done that".

Sophomore year definitely had a lot of offer and a lot to teach. Here's to hoping summer is just as wild and to a new year of new experiences.