Dear rising freshmen,

My first piece of advice is to breathe. You'll probably forget to do that periodically, especially when everything gets a bit too stressful, so practice breathing now. No matter what, it will be okay. Read it with me: it will be okay.

Second, make sure you keep life in perspective. Everyone fails a test sometime. Everyone has a bad day and leaves something essential at home. Everyone loses papers or forgets meeting dates. No matter what it is, life will move on tomorrow, or next week or next year. You can recover the test, or it will balance with other grades. Even if a very good friend is angry with you and you can't fix it right now, that too will pass.

While it may seem like everything in life is new and stability was a figment of your imagination, try to view it as an adventure, since it is. Ashton Kutcher once said, "As long as you're uncomfortable, it means you're growing," and this is true; no scientist has ever discovered something groundbreaking by replicating another's experiment, and your old school had nothing left for you to explore and experience. Here you are, in a new school, and there is a wealth of resources at your disposal now. Dig in!

Cherish the people that are left in your life from the last chapter, since your memories with them are irreplaceable. Love them, appreciate them and make more memories. Yet obviously, take advantage of the new people that you are now surrounded by. Everyone with you is looking forward to making new friends, so, no matter how nerve-racking, try not to be shy. Tell the girl with the long black hair that her shoes are cute, and ask the quiet genius behind you to study with you after class. The key is to be open to friendship with anyone; even if you really don't think you could ever be friends with someone, give them a chance anyway.

And just as you're probably paranoid and anxious about all those thousands of judging eyes, scouring over your outfits or makeup, so is every single other person out there. Yes, every other student is just as concerned about others' opinions, so much so that they most likely aren't even paying attention to you (or they really don't care at all, in which case they're not judging you either.)

Get involved. Choose activities based on your interest or based on something that may strike your fancy but you've never really pursued. Wish you could draw, or always wanted to be on the fencing team? Considering a career in marketing but you're just not quite sure? Always wanted to play the guitar? Are you able to unicycle backward while playing the lute, and you want somewhere to showcase this unusual talent? Believe it or not, there's probably a place for you, and if it's outside of the school (like the circus,) there is almost certainly someone at school that can direct you to wherever is best for you.

Put yourself first! Sometimes, everything will demand your attention at once and you will be overwhelmed with stress (remember to breathe.) This is natural, but step away from everything. Take a hot shower or a steamy bath and just soak for a few minutes. Take a nap. Brew yourself some coffee or tea and sip as you research your paper. Occasionally, take the day off and read that book you've been meaning to start. You are the first and most important thing in your own life.

Finally, remember what you're there for: school. In many years, when you are showing this article (along with other advice) to your children who are preparing to be freshmen themselves, much of your life is going to have been shaped by the education you received. Amidst all of the parties, football games and socializing, turn in your homework and crack open your textbooks. At the end of the day, that will be what matters.

And, perhaps, if there was one piece of advice that could be given above all others, it would be this: have flexibility with everyone and everything that life hands you. You will make friends in unlikely places, and prejudgment will ruin the opportunity before it comes if you let it. If plans fall through, take the night and sleep. If you're put in a class that you just know you'll hate but you can't switch out, give it a chance. Again, it will all be okay, and you will be happier without the added stress.

And--there's always one more thing--don't be afraid to ask for help. Teachers, upperclassmen and friends would love to be a great resource for you. We are all cheering for you, and everyone believes in you. You're going to kill it.

With love,

A survivor