Lessons Learned:
1. Don't get mono. Just don't. Avoid it like the plague, because it pretty much is the plague, except it doesn't kill you. You just feel like it's going to, or like you're sort of already dead. Because remember that time I got mono twice this year? Yeah, so I know all about it.
2. Don't live in Logan, Utah if you enjoy not feeling hypothermic all the time. It's an alright little town but holy hell, does winter ever end? It's May, and still snows on occasion. Really? No. Not okay.
3. Instacare is like my favorite place in the world. Really, so great. If you're sick, just go there. They'll hook you right up.
4. On a related note, being sick without your mom really sucks a lot! And people don't go out of their way to help you if they think you're completely capable of handling it on your own. Even when you almost pass out on a regular basis and can't think straight because you're so sick.
5. Winter Dew Tour is pretty freakin sweet. Definitely make it a priority to go every year for the rest of your life if you have the opportunity.
6. Regular bonfires in the canyon are as cathartic as it gets. But always always always shower before going to bed afterwards or else your room/bed/somehow every article of clothing you own will smell like fire for weeks, even after you wash all of it.
7. It helps to feel like you look good when you're taking a big test. Buying something new for yourself especially helps.
8. Always have something to look forward to, or you'll go crazy. Or change things up really often. Cut your hair, dye your hair, rearrange furniture, buy something new at the grocery store, go to the library to study for once. The options are endless. Go crazy.
9. Tomatoes are gross. Asparagus is gross. Peas are gross. Peppers, organic macaroni and cheese, and olives are gross. Nyquil is gross (yet effective.) And everything is gross when you're nauseous.
10. Cups aren't necessary if you have the entire carton to yourself.
11. There are always alternatives to buying toilet paper. Be friends with your neighbors and know where all of the bathrooms on campus are, in the situation that such a situation arises.
12. Hygiene's not exaaaactly a priority after all. In regards to laundry, simply ask yourself, "Does it look dirty? Does it smell dirty?" If you answered no to both questions, then it's not actually dirty. In regards to showering, simply ask yourself, "Do I look dirty? Do I smell dirty?" If you answered no to both questions, then you're not actually dirty. If you answered yes to one of them, then either put a hat on, or more deodorant (accordingly.) Both wouldn't hurt.
13. It's entirely possible that you're smarter than your general ed professor.
14. "Freshman 15" was a myth. I actually lost weight, but that's probably only because I was sick for the majority of the year. But still.
15. If you didn't use it in high school, don't bring it with you to college. You still won't use it. (i.e., random books you never actually read, an ironing board, etc.)
16. Do whatever the heck you want. Wear a trucker hat, don't shower, wear your hair on top of your head, stay up with the guys until four in the morning getting into all sorts of shenanigans. No one cares! Unless you go to BYU. Then everyone cares a lot. Too much. Otherwise, this is good advice.
It's been real. Let's do this again soon.
...Well, not too soon.