Dear College Freshman,

Congrats! You've probably heard that hundreds of times over the last few months but its because you have accomplished so much. So embrace all the attention because you deserve it. High school is officially over and your next chapter in life is unknown which can be so scary but so exciting too. Packing up your room and saying goodbye to your childhood friends is sad and something that feels just as weird as you think. It all really doesn't hit you until its over.

And then everything is new. You have a new shoebox sized dorm room, fully stocked with new stuff. You have a new roommate, your in a new town, and you have a new place to call home. Your parents who have been your rock and the ones always in your corner now cry as they leave you to fight your own battles. Now, while this can all be really hard and somedays you can't help but cry because of all the things you miss, these times are also some of the best times of your life. You are fully independent. You get to totally rediscover yourself as a grown up. Making all your own choices is exhilarating.

In the first few weeks you meet so many new and cool people. They might not be around for long but the memories you make with these random first week friends are some of the most fun. Don't be sad if some of these people don't end up being around forever, they'll still wave to you when they see you. Then the true friends start showing up. The ones you feel like you've known since you were young even though its only been a month. You grow so close to these people that you live with, struggle with, party with, study with, and eat with. They not only become your best friends but your family.

As school begins and the stress kicks in just remember you aren't alone. Every freshman around you is overwhelmed along with you and every sophomore, junior, and senior who looks like they have their lives together went through exactly what your going through. Your mom is always just a phone call away ready to talk to you and let you know how proud she is of you. Your best friend who is hundreds of miles away from you at her own new home is just a text message away and knows exactly what to say to let you know she still cares.

The stress diminishes though as Friday approaches and you get ready to go to the frat party down the road with all your friends. The boy you saw at lunch the day before notices you and it feels like love at first sight. Now you might be the lucky one that does get this guy just like in the movies, but be careful to not put your whole heart into the first Jack or Jimmy you see. College is a time to explore. Some people take that more literally than others so take care of yourself and your heart. Keep and open mind because maybe standing behind that boy is the one who actually cares and sees you for more.

After your first test grade comes back and its worse than you ever got in high school, don't cry or convince yourself that you aren't smart enough. Instead figure out how to do better. Go to the professor because I promise you they want to help. Ask for help and do better. College isn't just about being smart its about being determined too.

You are going to have some of the best times of your life during this year. Embrace them. This change is terrifying, but the change is good so embrace it. Have fun and study hard and I promise as you pack up your small dorm room and say goodbye to your roommate and friends for the summer you won't want freshman year to end.

A College Sophomore