"how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

I can't believe freshman year of college is already over! It feel like just yesterday that my parents and I were driving not campus feeling very overwhelmed but excited for the unknown and what was to come. I've met so many amazing people this year and have grown as a person in many ways. I think it's so important to take a moment and reflect on all the lessons and experiences that shaped the last year. All the friends I have made made it so hard to leave for the summer (I'm already ready to go back!), but the positive changes I've seen in myself throughout the year leave me challenged and motivated to continue these improvements, and come back next fall fully refreshed and ready to take advantage of every moment. The fact that I'm already 1/4 done with college shows how quickly it's going to pass; I refuse to look back in three years and regret not embracing every moment that I have in college. Already counting down the days to go back, but until then, here's to a relaxing and amazing summer with my family and friends from home!

“You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You'll never remember class time, but you'll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don't have. Drink 'til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does..."

-Tom Petty

WORD TO THAT.

get out there and show the world what you're made of.

Too many of us fall into the trap of our own minds. We all just need to let go and be ourselves! I know it's hard, believe me, but would you rather look back on your life and see mistakes but know you did everything you wanted to and you didn't hold back, or would you rather look back and see all the opportunities you missed just because you let fear and over-thinking get the best of you? You are the best you there is; embrace it and let your uniqueness shine. Get out there and show the world what you're made of!

words to live by.

"Be grateful to have been given one more day, let alone one more year. Remember to dance in your night gown, sing in the shower, ride a bike, fly a kite, and take an occasional "wind bath" in your bare skin. Give those you love big kisses, huge hugs, and the words "I love you" often and always. Nurture your body rather than starve yourself with fad dieting. On your birthday, call your mom and dad and thank them for all they have done for you. Remember you are not guaranteed tomorrow and that today is as good as it gets. Thank god for everything, everyday, every moment."

“imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”

In life, I try to be 100% myself all the time. It can be hard, especially if other people are judging you or disagreeing with your opinions/actions. If you let those negative thoughts get to you, though, you'll never reach the full potential that you have as a person. Never compare yourself to others; being yourself means you're like nobody else! I love that Marilyn Monroe quote, because it's so true. When have you ever heard someone say "oh my god I love that person! She's so average and normal"...?? Yeah, NEVER because nobody appreciates averageness; they like individuality and confidence. So go out there and have a silent dance party in the library when you should be studying and be weird with your friends in public. Because after all, when it comes down to it, the people who look at you condescendingly or disapprovingly are really just too insecure to let themselves go like you are and are probably jealous that they can't be more like you. Do what makes YOU happy, and everything will fall into place.

:)

"to the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world."

I know I post a lot about my friends, but I honestly couldn't enough. I'm so grateful for everything they do for me and for the fact that they'll always be there for me no matter what. I don't know where I'd be without them. This Thanksgiving, I reflected most about how thankful I am for the many friendships I know will last a lifetime. Through ups and downs, we always manage to rise above it and realize how important we are to each other. They are honest when they need to be, even if I'm not going to like what they have to say. We challenge each other to be better people and when it comes down to it, I have the absolute best time with all of them. Crying from laughing multiple times through the night is standard. I know that I'm going to stay close to them even if many of them go to different schools all over the country.  

Love you guys! XOX