What I Learned From Freshman Year + More

I know this might be a little late as I currently am a sophomore in college, but I want to take some time and reflect on some little tid bits of information that I learned through one of the most challenging yet amazing years of my life. Like I said, my freshman year of college was easily the hardest year of my life. As much fun as it sounds, picking up everything and moving many miles and a different time zone away is difficult and only by the grace of God did I survive it. I do not have many regrets from this past year, but there are some things that I wish I had known. The best part about your first year in college is that it's a learning experience and nobody basically knows what they're doing. That's half of the fun of it. :) 

So without further adieu, here we go: 

1. Do not live in the oldest dorm on campus. 
If I never complained about this to you before, consider yourself #blessed. My dorm had a burlap wall and looked like the hospital from the first episode of The Walking Dead. To make matters worse, not one person on my floor was friends with one another and we basically lived in prison. Not to mention that we had two outlets for two whole people in our dorm. Apply early for housing and splurge a little if you have to. 

2. It is not the end of the world if you earn a bad grade. 
As embarrassing as this it to admit, I cried and I mean ugly cried when I didn't get the grade I wanted in math. I never have been an expert in math but I was heartbroken that I didn't receive an A. If there ever was thirty minutes I wanted to get back of my life, this moment would be the one.  

3. It's okay to eat by yourself. 
In high school, I was mortified at the thought of eating by myself. I always planned who I would eat lunch with and even a backup group of friends. In college, no one gives a crap who you're with. Heck, half the time I ate alone and and it was just nice being by myself so I could call my parents. Get some tater tots and you'll be just fine. 

4. Do not and I mean DON'T YOU DARE cry over someone who would not cry over you.
Pretty self-explanatory. Some friendships are not meant to last forever and that's just whatever. People say that if a friendship is meant to last after high school, then it will. I will be the first person to say that statement is 100% authentic. I am not as close to several people that I was close to in high school, but there are some that are still my best friends today. If they don't fight for you then don't fight for them. It's just how life is and it will all work out in the end. 

5. People are ridiculous. 
Imagine how crazy you think people are right now. Now multiply that number by ten. They will drive you up a wall and back down twice more and say things to hurt you. It's a wonder how natural selection has not weeded these people out by now. Just believe me, you'll know who these people are when you meet them.

6. Sometimes you need Netflix. 
This was probably the best thing I had throughout my freshman year. I watched all of Park and Recreation, The Walking Dead, and New Girl just in my time at college. Now maybe I should have been out making friends oh well. I had fun and that's all the matters. 

7. God will give you EVERYTHING you need.  
Like I said before, I only got through my freshman year by the grace of God. When I was worried anything and everything, He brought me through. When I made Him my first priority, everything just kind of fell into place. He gave me an AWESOME small group (shoutout to you all), new friendships, and encouragement when things went crazy. He knows exactly what I need and when I need it. What more could I ask for? His arms were my refuge all throughout this past year. 

8. You can always go home. 
I will admit that I went home a little too often. However, I needed my parents. If anyone stood by me 100% throughout this crazy adventure, it was them. They always answered my phone calls when I was crying in the middle of the night or ready to leave and come home then. This adventure really is not all about me, but it affects them just as much. They were my rock throughout the year and I cannot express my gratitude for how amazing they are. Heck, I'll throw in a picture. 

9. Squad up. 
When away at college, these people are essential for survival. No one will back you up like these rambunctious individuals will. My friendships definitely grew this past year. We are so much closer than we were previously. There are just some people that you will fight for and who will do the same for you in hard times. I mean, who else will FaceTime you in the weirdest places or invite you to get ice cream in an ice storm? Who else will watch awful movies with you or talk about the latest Duggar scandals? That's what friendship is all about, y'all. Here are some more pictures. 

* There are some friends that I don't have any pictures with but they still mean so much to me! I tried to use as many pictures as I had, but I still came up short. 

10. It's okay to transfer. 

Sometimes a certain college isn't a perfect fit or maybe God's calling you somewhere else. IT'S OKAY! I was so surprised to learn that a large number of college students transfer to a different university. Do whatcha gotta do. 

Finally, I just want to thank all of the people that encouraged me throughout this journey. Your support really has meant to the world to me! This year was probably anything but normal if we're being so honest, so thanks for just being there and helping me! You all are awesome!