The Best Lessons Senior Year Taught Me

I'm in my very last week of classes at The University of Tennessee. In two weeks I will be a college graduate. Where has time gone?! Everything in my life has lead up to this moment. Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of attending this university. I don't think I've ever wanted something more.

College was very eye-opening for me. Not that I was sheltered by my parents, but I was the self-proclaimed "good girl" of my high school. College has taught me how a little recklessness, being spontaneous, working hard, and never being afraid to show who you are will give you the best four years of your life. 

Senior year is a special one. It's one of goodbyes and new beginnings. Here are the most valuable lessons I've learned in my final year... 

There are people out there who will love you matter what.
You will change so much in college. Who you are at the beginning of each year is completely different than who you are at the end. As you are constantly changing, so do your friendships. There are a few people you will find in four years that will change with you. They will show you tough love. This may be your best friends telling you to end it with a guy because they know it's only spiraling downward. You will be SO mad at them in the moment. Looking back you will be so thankful for them because they cared enough to tell you what you couldn't even see for yourself. They will also show you unconditional love. No matter the circumstances they will love and accept you. To "my people," thank you for showing me it's okay to completely vulnerable and feel comfortable in my own skin. Most importantly, thank you for always being there for me no matter what. 

 

 

You will fail, and fail miserably.
....but failure is the key to success! Whenever you fail it might feel like the end of the world. I'm my own worst critic, but I've learned that if I fail an exam or forget an assignment that it doesn't determine who I am as a person. Even when things don't go right, never lose confidence in yourself. You have the strength to do anything you set your mind to.

Relationships will happen at the right time.
I just automatically assumed going into college I would be engaged by graduation. I spent my first two years in a serious relationship and my last two the majority single and swiping right. Although it may feel like everyone around me is getting engaged and I'm just off in my own little world, I am content with solitude. I would rather be completely single than rush a relationship  just because I "need" to be with someone. Pursue the BIG relationships your senior year. Whether that's with a boyfriend or your girlfriends, enjoy every second with them. One day that special person will walk into my life at the perfect time. 

Be true to yourself.
Be confident, be honest, be silly, be kind. Never be afraid to show who you are. Do what you want! Be selfish to an extent, but care for those around you. Don't be afraid to say no. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Always, always, ALWAYS trust your intuition. Make all your decisions with your happiness and well-being in mind. 

Sometimes the most valuable lessons you learn aren't in the classroom.
Even by senior year you don't have your life completely together. You're still going to make mistakes. Now is the time to make them before you enter the "real world." Be unprepared and spontaneous. Be open to new experiences and enjoy your freedom. What you learn from a failed relationship with a guy, living with three girls, learning how to balance school and work, and all the experiences in between will teach you more about yourself than supply chain management or accounting ever could. 

I'm not afraid of moving on and letting go of the college lifestyle, it's just so hard to say goodbye to what I've known for the past four years. I think back to all the things I've done and how I wish I could tell my freshman self what I know now, but there's nothing I would change. My college experience was absolutely perfect. I am beyond grateful I was able to attend The University of Tennessee. Walking across that stage will mean I accomplished my lifelong dream. So here's to you Old Tennessee. Every moment of pure happiness, heartbreak, and triumph, I will hold forever.