High school graduation is a time that is long awaited and seems like it will never arrive, but when it does, it will pass in the blink of an eye. I remember at least once a day my senior year I would always complain that "I am in high school and so ready to go to college." I was not wrong. I was ready to move on to new experiences, but I should have truly appreciated the time that I had.

Enjoy these next few weeks, or if you're lucky, enjoy this whole summer in your hometown with your home friends. As much as you are ready to move past high school, you will miss this time with these people. I know that you are feeling a lot of emotions, and nerves are probably playing a huge factor in how you feel.

College is a huge deal. You have every reason to be nervous. But, you spent months figuring out where you are going, and you chose your school for a reason. I do not believe that everything happens for a reason, but that you make the most out of the situation that you are given. You set yourself up for success by choosing a college that you feel is right for you. You got to this point solely on your hard work and determination. Take this chance that has been given to you, and run with it.

Yes, college can be a hard transition. But stay true to yourself, and who you have always been, and you will find your place at your new school. You are entering your freshman year. You are under no obligation to know your career path or future goals at this moment. This is the time to get a taste for what you like and develop that over the next four years. Use your freshman year as a time to make friends that support you and truly want you to succeed. I am not saying drop your home friends. Instead, create a support system at college like the one you had at home.

You stand at a pivotal moment in life. You have just completed an amazing accomplishment. You just graduated from high school, which signifies the past twelve years of your education. On the other hand, you have a completely blank slate in front of you. It is now up to you to pave your own path and find the direction that feels right for you.

Even though you are heading off on your own, your family is just as important as it was in high school. You will lean on your family for support, even though they may be hundreds of miles away. They provide familiarity and the comfort of home in this foreign place that you are entering.

So to the nervous high school graduate,

It is okay to be nervous. It is okay to be excited. Everyone handles change differently, but just know that you are doing what is right for you. Everything is under your control, and it is your time to succeed.