To all the college freshman, I remember being right where you probably are: scared, lonely, tired, overwhelmed. It's not a fun place to be.

I remember being nervous about sitting alone in the dining halls I worried I wouldn't have any friends in my classes. I worried about tons of other things like being late to class, missing the bus, being lost, or getting on the wrong bus, failing all my classes, etc. I was where you were sitting. I worried I was going to flunk out of college (especially after my statistics class- never want to take that class ever again!), but here I am as a senior to tell you that you will survive. In fact, you will thrive.

It does get better and you will make it through your first year. After a while, you will not even get nervous before a new semester and you will have an established group of friends, and you will know where your classes are. If you are anything like me, you will make friends that will be with you all throughout college. This year, I live with three friends that I met my first year. You will also make some incredible memories that stays with you forever. I still laugh with friends when we recall something that happened freshman year.

Of course, there are going to be some frustrating times like when your professor makes the tests extremely difficult or your hall mates are being loud at 3 am on a school night. But these experiences will help you become stronger, more independent, and smarter. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? I have learned so much in college, both in and out of the classroom. I believe everyone learns a lot in college. They learn how to deal with difficult people (whether it be roommates or your professors). They learn how to be away from home and independent. They learn how to problem solve.

Here's another important point you should remember: cherish time. What I mean by this is college flies by. I can't believe I'm a senior in college. In fact, I graduate in December, and I am so scared about it. Sometimes I honestly wish it was freshman year again. College is fun. Sure, there are so lows and highs and frustrating times, but overall, college is a great experience, and it shouldn't be taken for granted. I am very thankful that I was able to come to the University of Georgia because it has helped me to grow and change into the person I'm meant to be.