Four years later

Checked something off the bucket list this weekend-- I graduated from college!

After four years at UMD, I'm officially leaving to start the next chapter of my life. The past couple have days have been a whirlwind of bittersweet memories. Today, I'm packing up my apartment of two years and so many past memories have been rushing back. Some of the best moments, with some of the best friends, happened in these last four years. Four years. I can't believe it. In a sense, I grew up here. Not physically, but in every other aspect, these last few years really did help me grow up. The people I met helped me grow up. The experiences I had helped me grow up. Of course, I'm not done growing up just yet. I still have a lot to learn. 

A few things that I did learn, however? 

1. Don't sweat the small stuff.  Unnecessary stress is just... unnecessary.

2. Try not to rush through life, wishing away days to get to ones ahead. You'll miss what's happening in the present if you're always waiting for the future.

3. Surround yourself with good people. Plain and simple. 

4.  Do what you love.

5. It is possible to survive on an extremely limited budget. 

6. Putting an egg in Ramen noodle soup is not only delicious, but it's also a super cheap source of protein & carbs in one bowl!

7. Don't worry about what other people think about you, as long as you love yourself. 

8.  The people who are meant to stay in your life... will.

9. Take pictures. Make memories. Have fun. Take chances. Make mistakes. Never stop learning. 

10.  You never really, truly, absolutely "grow up" in every sense of the words. People are always growing, changing, and learning. 

Next year, when I'm living in a different place and I'm starting out at a new job, I'll still be growing up. I'll still be growing, changing, and learning. You're only as grown as you allow yourself to be, and this girl is just getting started.