Ahh look at you, so fresh and new. You just pledged your sorority; you're only a blink away from initiation (or several long blinks), and college is something you’re still getting used to. We know you’re new because you just have that "look." What’s the look? Well, you’re skinny (no freshman 15); you don't have bags under your eyes from several all nighters, and overall you’re just so young and pretty. What we would all give to be back in your shoes. To be able to experience everything for the first time, to feel the excitement of experiencing something new. There’s some lessons you have to learn on your own, but you can avoid a few mistakes with a little advice.

1) Get to know your pledge class. They’re going to be here for four years, experiencing all the ups and downs you are. Lean on them, love them, support them, laugh with them, cry with them. They are your people.

2) Get to know the older girls in your sorority. These are your bigs, your president and your captian of the flag football team. And they’re also just really cool people.

3) Be nice to those who deserve it least. Hard? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. You never know the silent battle some people might be fighting, be kind, always.

4) Get to know all the girls, up and down row. KKG, Theta, Phi Mu, Tridelt, ADPi, KD, Chi O, AOPi, ZTA, the list goes on and on. Make friends with girls from each house “No matter the letter, we’re all tied together.”

5) Study.Study. Study. Study. There are plenty of parties through out your college career, but there are NOT plenty of chances to get your GPA up. It's easier to drag it down than it is to get it back up.

6) If you're wondering if you should stay for one more song, it’s a yes. Sure, you’ll be tired for your 8 a.m., but come on, this your favorite song.

7) Keep your standards high. I know it seems like every single person around you is dating someone but keep your standards high. Boys that treat you any less then you deserve aren’t worth your time anyway.

8) Be involved in your chapter. That doesn’t mean you have to run for exec. Volunteer to be head of a committee, go to chapter dinner, try and make it to at least one social, and when your chapter has random movie nights, GO. Do you want to known as the senior girl who everyone asks, “Who is that? She never comes around.”

9) It’s not over until the final. If you think you might do badly in a class, don’t stop trying until you put your pencil down after your final. You never know how much extra credit your professor might throw in for a student that works extra hard.

10) Find a church. One of the most important things you can do. Get plugged in with a home church away from home.

11) Go to the gym. You'll thank yourself sophomore year.

12) College can be tough sometimes. But you’re tougher, and you probably have amazing friends that will help you through it.

13) Be cautious of the people you surround yourself with. It might not be your reputation now, but it will only take a matter of time before it is.

14) Take lots of pictures. There's no such thing as too many pictures. They freeze a memory in time.

15) College is.... fun, wild, crazy, hard, sad, exciting.....a roller coaster of emotion. And It only last 4-ish years, so soak up every second of it.