What I've Learned In My First Semester of College

My first semester of college is officially DONE, what?! That flew by faster than I can even put into words. After being on my own for a few months I'd like to think I'm officially "adulting", but I am far from. I still have to call home every now and then to ask a question and I still google things when I doubt myself. BUT despite that, I can say I have learned a handful of things. So, from a girl who just finished her first semester of college to you:

1. Life goes on

I had my fair share of days where I thought things would be the end of the world. I did things I regretted and then spent the next week worrying about it. I learned, and am still trying to learn and accept the fact that life goes on. Everyone does things they regret, but why spend so much time worrying about something that has already happened, something you can't change. College is the time to make all the mistakes and learn from each one of those mistakes. It's been hard to understand, but whether or not I want life to move on, it will.

2. I really won't wear half the things I packed

I am definitely one of those "what if" kinds of people so when packing for college I had a lot of "I haven't worn this in awhile, but what if it comes in handy" moments. DON'T FALL INTO THAT TRAP. I haven't worn a good chunk of what I brought with me. I also learned that other people could really care less about what you're wearing. If I wanted to roll out of bed and strut to class in my pajama pants I wouldn't even get a second look from people, we're all just out here trying to get those A's.

3. No matter how hard I try, brushing my teeth is an activity I can never seem to make quiet

4. It's okay to take time for yourself, in fact you should

I would like say that I am a people person, I am very social and being around others makes me happy. But being in a dorm you are CONSTANTLY surrounded by people and you never really get time to yourself. So go get coffee by yourself, go study by yourself, heck read a book. But make sure to find time to be with yourself and find yourself. Try to discover what you like and what you don't like, try new things, and take chances. Everyone needs time to decompress on their own and in their own way, I think that is something a lot of people forget to do. We shouldn't feel bad or guilty for wanting to be alone at times, it's only human.

5. Calling my mom just to chat will make her day

6. Getting a full 8 hours of sleep might just be one of the best things

7. It's okay to ask for help

People often feel like they need to have this "I it all together" act on, but the thing is no one ever has it all together. In fact, I don't think anyone will really have it all together anytime soon. We see others and see them as perfect then ask ourselves, "if they can do it and have it together, why can't I?" But who says that they have it all together? Us as individuals all have different needs, different strengths and weaknesses and some might need more help than others and that's okay!! If you're unsure of something ask for help! There is no shame in asking for help, now is the time to ask all the questions.

8. Making friends isn't as terrifying as it seems

9. It's okay to not have your life planned out

This is one that I am still trying to learn. For as long as I can remember I have had a plan for my life from college to getting a big girl job and a house. I follow to-do lists on a daily basis, planning is one thing that I have full control of and I like to know what is coming next.

Coming into college I was set on a psychology major, but as the semester started going on I started doubting that. Just recently I decided to change my major and I was STRESSING. I texted my brothers, my friends, and my parents about it. I felt like changing my major and being unsure of what I wanted was going to put my whole life plan off track. As I was worrying about what to major in I realized that as I was worrying I was missing out on what's out there for me.

Worrying isn't going to get me far in life. It can seem hard and even impossible to let go of something you've planned out and put so much thought into. But going into things constantly wondering how it is going to fit into your plan might only end up in disappointment. Letting go of a plan might lead you to an adventure you would never see yourself in. Things change and sometimes a new plan comes along to replace what you once wanted to set you on an even better path. So know that it is okay to not have a plan. It's okay to follow your heart and not a schedule as long as you are enjoying what's there for you.