So crap givers, if it’s okay with you, it’s about to get real. For once we won’t be sharing my lame humor or irrelevant take on pop culture, but instead I’m going to get real for a hot second. I’m going to share some things I’ve learned over the past 7 months. So no J-Law references tonight…shocking, right?

So if you give a crap about a 19 year old’s insight, stick around. There’s nothing wrong with a little food for thought.

Or food that isn’t for thought.

Or food that is free.

ANYWAY. As I was saying, since coming to college seven months ago, I’ve learned a lot about life, myself, and other people. I’m not going to lie, by no means has it been an easy transition, but I’m happy at my school. And, slowly but surely, I’m becoming happy with my life and the choices I’ve made to get to where I am right now, even if that happiness isn’t present 24/7. Which brings me to my first point. When I was in high school, I was under the impression that college was the best time of your life. To an extent it is, but it isn’t always rainbows and keg stands. College is hard. And I’m not talking about the 8 hours of reading a night and the 72 papers all due on the same freaking Wednesday. You get used to the nightly mental breakdowns, and then pulling yourself together after you’re reminded that YOU’VE GOT THIS.

Not the point. The point is that there are other aspects of college that are challenging. Learning to live with other people may be harder than you think, especially if your freshman college roommates aren’t your best friends. Also, the moment your parents drop you off, may not seem like that big of a deal, but when the car drives away, and you realize you don’t know a single other person, it get’s pretty real. But that feeling only lasts a couple days. If you’re like me, two hours later a bald girl will walk up to you and say, “Hi I’m Maddie. I don’t have cancer but I will accept free sh*t”. Boom. I got a best friend. Another hard aspect of college is drifting apart from people. I’ve learned that friends from your hometown are like jelly beans. Most of them are crappy, but when there’s one or two really good ones, you know it (You know who you are, Root Beer and Buttered Popcorn).

I’ve learned that people will change. And that’s okay. People will leave, and people will disappoint you. It’s a part of life. It’s okay to miss people, but not to the point where it’s taking away from your experience. But as the great Peyton Sawyer says, “People always leave, but sometimes they come back.” What’s meant to be will find it’s way, even if that sounds cheesy as some fresh gouda. So, fight for people, but only fight once. Life is a two way street. That doesn’t just mean significant others. That could be friends from home, or friends from school. It’s okay to accept change, even if it feels like a punch in the stomach. Give it time, I still am too.

But while there’s the one’s you thought would always be there and suddenly aren’t, you have the people who come out of nowhere and become people you can’t imagine your life without. These are the people who can help you through anything, and these are the best friends I’ve found in college. This is also your family. Nothing makes you appreciate your family more than going through hard times in college. Whether it’s a bad day and you need a pep talk from your dad, or your sick and all you want is your mom. A few months away from your loved ones will make you appreciate them even more.

If you’re reading this, you’re most likely in college or out of college, and already know what I’m talking about. But if you’re not yet in college, don’t be scared. Going through these experiences is one of the most challenging, but also rewarding things I’ve ever done. Because through all of the things I’ve faced in the last seven months, one thing I’ve learned is self acceptance, and how to try and make yourself happy. (Get ready for another One Tree Hill reference. And no, I’m not sorry. I just really love Nathan Scott, OKAY? OKAY.) “Happiness is not a destination. It’s a mood. Not permanent. It comes and goes, if people knew that maybe they would find happiness.” This time in your life, just like any other, has ups and downs. So you have to cherish the good moments and in the moments that aren’t good, you have to try and find some in them. So this is your time to find what makes you happy. It’s okay to let others make you happy, but don’t rely on someone for your sole happiness. Love yourself first.

By no means do I embrace everything I’ve learned over the past seven months every minute of every day, but I’m learning to try. And that is the best thing college has taught me. So, I’m having fun and discovering what I give a crap about. And that’s about as real as it gets.

*mic drop*