To the person I was a year ago,

You’ve made it! 3 months ago, you were at the top of your game. You walked across the stage and smiled at the camera while awkwardly shaking someone’s hand to receive your diploma. One month ago you started to prepare to leave for college. Yesterday you said "goodbye" to all of your friends. And today is the day.

Welcome to the next best years of your life.

You’re excited and you’re stressed. You’re shocked at the size of your new home. What are the people like? Will you survive the dining hall food? You don’t know what to expect. It’s okay, but there’s more to know. There are things you need to fix. Don’t get me wrong, you’re a wonderful person, but listen:

Calm down.

Calm down. Calm down. Take a chill pill and get out of your comfort zone because there’s no need to stress about the little things. I know how easy it is to take everything so seriously, and the pursuit of perfection will never end. I think sometimes we have the tendency to get so caught up in things that we forget to take care of ourselves. That is your Achilles, and there will be several times this year in which you’ll need to take a step back to put yourself back together.

Freshman year isn’t everything you think it is.

You won’t breeze through all of your classes. You’ll probably have a few panic attacks. The struggle bus is coming and it’s making a stop right by you. It sucks but everything will be okay, you’ll have people there to go through it with you.

It’s okay to change your mind.

Changing your mind about things is okay. It’s also okay to change your major. Honestly, the opinions of other people do not matter. Just because you decide to change your major does not mean you’re not normal. In fact, A New York Times study said that 61% of people change their major by the end of their sophomore year. So get out of the stigma that the decision you will make in a year will classify you as a failure. You’re not, just look at what you’ve done.

Don’t rely on your past successes.

Yeah, you probably have a stacked resume. President of the biggest clubs in your school, soccer captain, statewide awards – all things that helped get you to where you are today. That’s great, but in a month none of that will mean anything. Find new things to do and don’t get down on yourself when things don’t go your way. There’s a plan for you. That plan will get you to where you need to be. This year is going to be the hardest year of your life, but in the end, freshman year will be amazing.

Not everyone you meet will be your friend. Get rid of that high school boy. Keep in touch with your best friend from high school. The relationships will not stay the same, but the true people will remain in your life. Get ready for the best roller coaster you’ll ever ride.

Much love,

You (Just a year late)