2016 was definitely a memorable year for me (I think it was for many people for different reasons). Through the ups and downs, good and bad, tears and laughter, this year has taught me a lot.
It’s important to “put yourself out there.”
When I say “put yourself out there,” I just mean steping out of your comfort zone and try new things/talk to new people. All throughout my life I have been a shy and quiet person; the only way you could get me to talk was if you spoke to me first. Going into college I knew I wanted this to change. 2016 was the year that I really got myself to take some risks and “put myself out there.” I joined an org on campus, got to meet some amazing people, and even decided to join HerCampus!
Failure is a part of life, you learn from it.
I have always been hard on myself when it came to school. I knew that straight A’s would not come as easily to me as it did in high school, but I always thought I could maintain at least a C+. So, when I failed my first classes in college, it really got to me. I started to question my intelligence and capabilities. I came to realize that failure is just a part of life and there no real way to avoid it — it’s what makes us human. There’s one positive thing that can come out of failing… you gain a learning experience. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! As cliche as that sounds, it’s true.
Surround yourself with people who support you, make you happy, and who you can be completely yourself around.
One of the most difficult things about moving away from home for me was being away from my close friends. I had met so many people in college, but didn’t have any real friends. And let me be the one to tell you that the people who are “friends” with you freshman year won’t always stay friends with you as years go on, but that’s okay! You will eventually find the people you know you will keep in touch with even after college. I can honestly say that the friends I have now are the people I wouldn’t mind being stuck on an island with (if we had food and shelter, of course). They’re the one’s I can go to for anything and can be comepletely myself with. I started to miss them after being away from them for a week over winter break.
Focus on yourself. You will find the right person eventually.
Don’t get me wrong I LOOOVE being single, but I will admit I miss having a significant other from time to time. It’s nice to have someone you can tell anything to and cuddle with, but at the end of the day this is the time for me to be selfish, carefree and focus on myself without having to worry about another person. As great as being in a relationship may seem, it takes a lot of time away from yourself. There’s definitely no rush to be in a relationship when I’m really enjoying the perks of being single!