When you start your senior year of high school, graduation seems like a mountain just on the edge of the horizon. Its edges are blurry because of how far away it is, but as you cruise down the highway of your last year of high school, it gradually comes into focus. Suddenly, it looms before you. You have reached the day that you have been preparing for since your first day of high school; the day your parents have been preparing for since they watched you get on the bus for your first day of kindergarten. You don a cap and gown, get your diploma, and your tassel is moved to the left. You made it, mostly intact, to this day. Behind you are many precious memories, and numerous adventures await you.
For some, high school is the end of formal education, and they are ready to enter the workforce. But, for those who choose to continue on to college, there is a period of waiting: namely the three month period called "summer." This summer is different than the other summers you have enjoyed. It is filled with anticipation; you're not quite ready to go, but entirely ready to leave. So, what now?
1. Don't panic.
Don't worry too much about picking a major. You have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do, and if you change your mind, that's okay! Seriously, you don't need to have everything figured out right now. It often seems like there's a lot of pressure to have your life planned out, but look at the big picture: the average life expectancy in America is about 75 years. If you're an incoming freshman, you're likely 18 to 19 years old, so you have dozens of years ahead of you.
2. Invest your time in people.
This summer is going to be filled with a lot of "lasts," so savor them. Of course, you'll reconnect with friends over breaks, but it isn't quite the same. Your paths have begun to diverge and as life continues; you will likely drift away from people. Spend as much time as possible with friends and family. Some of my best memories from the summer after senior year were made during spur-of-the-moment sleepovers and days at the beach. Get off your phone, close your computer, turn off the TV and invest your time in the people around you. Not only will it make them feel loved, it will also give you valuable growth in character traits such as listening, empathy and compassion. These are things you will need throughout your life.
3. Prepare, but not too much.
I spent a lot of time perusing Pinterest for dorm decor ideas, shopping for supplies and preparing for moving to school last fall. Looking back, most of this was entirely unnecessary and a significant waste of time. My biggest tip is to coordinate with your roommate(s) so that you've got your bases covered on "big ticket" items that you guys plan on sharing. Get your bedding, some decorations, and school supplies, then tuck it all away in your closet and don't worry about it. If you forget something crucial, there's probably a Target within twenty miles, so you'll be fine. A couple days before you move, pack up your clothes (minus a few outfits you plan on wearing leading up to your move in date) and whatever stuff you're bringing, and then relax. Your dorm is likely to feel like home no matter what it looks like.
As you prepare for this next phase of life, don't forget about the phase you are leaving. College is full of rapid growth and is laden with responsibilities. The experiences you will soon have will stretch and push you into another version of yourself, a better version of yourself. Through relationships, you will learn what it means to be human. Take advantage of on-campus activities and build friendships with the people who live in your hall. Study hard, but remember, grades don't define you; it isn't essential to excel in every class. Give yourself permission to mess up. Make memories. Do things that are outside of your comfort zone. Do something crazy that you'll tell your kids one day. College is great and you're going to love it. It's hard, there's a lot of work, and it's very difficult sometimes. Learn as much as you can but, don't forget to live.
