Dear all of you recently graduated high school seniors,

Congrats! You have complete what may be the easiest part of you life besides elementary school and preschool. I remember when I was in your position a year ago. You should definitely feel accomplished, but wow, just you wait.

You'll suddenly start to realize most of your friendships from high school solely existed due to the fact you were in the same building five times a week for many hours. You'll slowly start to not talk to those people as much, and wonder if your entire high school life was a lie. You'll be filled with so many different emotions until you actually get to college.

When you get to college, you'll still feel like everything is unreal. The years you spent in your high school are actually done. You are at a school with people you don't know except maybe one or a few. These grades actually mean something. The connections you make here are crucial to your future. The people here will be people you truly connect with and want to keep in your life forever.

Slowly, you'll start to find your place, which may take more than the first year. You'll sign up for classes you're excited for, and classes you hate. You'll debate your major constantly, you'll stress about exams, and you'll worry about how you're going to continue to pay to be educated. You'll realize how serious varsity sports are and consider discontinuing a hobby you've had since 7th grade. You'll possibly struggle to find a club to join. It's all part of the journey of finding yourself.

For all you know, you could fall in love. Whether it works out or not, it's still a change and a learning experience. You'll find a new best friend and a new worst enemy. You'll get into stupid and serious fights, and you'll have friends that'll be there when you're breaking down in tears. You'll start to see a trend in the people you really get along with, and the people you want to avoid. You'll want to avoid drama, but it'll creep into your life in some form.

You'll also get a million amazing opportunities. They won't be served to you, but they are there. Take as many as you can. Don't feel as if you need to study all the time. Involvement is important. Pulling all-nighters is not worth it. Sleep is a beautiful thing, and quite necessary. Plan ahead. Make a schedule if you have to.

You're now on your way to experience true adulthood. Living away from home, and everything you do or don't do impacts your college outcome. It's in your control. Make wise choices, and welcome to one of the most stressful yet most rewarding parts of your life. Enjoy it while you can, because your first year is over faster than what you expect.

Sincerely yours,

An uprising sophomore in college