What I have learned

1. By doing my research paper I have learned more about MLA citations, and have learned more about citing and how to arrange a research paper. It was very challenging for me because I tend to overthink too much and then overwhelm myself with the possible ideas and ways to go do an assignment. My understand of college-level research hasn't necessarily changed because before I did not know what to expect, but know that I have an idea of how it's suppose to go, I realize I have a very long way to go. 
2. The advice I'd tell a potential student is to get as much sources as possible, familiarize themselves with citation pages, as it is almost as challenging and important as the actual paper and break down your paper into some type of guideline. Breaking down a paper into subjects help to get the paper going, and makes it less overwhelming. Also scheduling different parts at specific times/days helps. Also in general free-writing does help the paper come along, because if the ideas are coming to you, you can just add to them with correct citations later. I'd also add that I'd tell any student if they have doubt on how their paper looks, to go to a writing center at their college, to get help.  
3.  I probably would have given myself more time for the paper, but overall I'm happy with it. I also believe I would have gone to the writing center, and utilize any available help on campus but time did not allow me. Now that I see the difference with a research paper and an opinion based paper I have a better understanding how to formulate papers in the future. I've learned that research papers work best when the topic is related to me.