First, I just want give you a huge congratulations at surviving the first several weeks of college! It is a huge adjustment from high school and you have made it. So give yourself a big pat on the back and continue to strive forward.

Secondly, remember to cherish every moment here at college because just like high school, those four years will fly by real quick. Here I am writing to you as a senior and I still cannot believe that this is my final year.

I want to share some quick tips with you to keep in mind as you continue your journey:

1.) Get involved on campus

One important thing to keep in mind is to get involved on campus. Do not over do it by joining every group on campus because you simply won't have time for all of them on top of studying and classes. Instead join 2 or 3 groups that you can really be a part of. If you join to many then you won't get as many great friendships or leadership roles out of them. Having the time for these groups is what's most important. Yes, joining 20 groups on campus will make your resume look fantastic for grad school but there is such a thing as doing too much. They will question the commitment you had with these groups and by joining less groups you will be able to hold leadership positions such as being on executive board which will look better then having 20+ groups that you really where just a member and nothing more. This group picture above is one of the groups I joined on my campus, Epsilon Sigma Alpha Service Sorority, and it was one of the best decisions I had made. I deeply regret not joining my freshman year, but I am extremely happy that I had the chance to join my sophomore year. This group of ladies has become a second family to me and it's been great to find friends to share the same love I have for community service. I have also become a executive board member as well since I dedicate a majority of my extra time with these ladies. So go find your niche in a group on campus and you will gain unbelievable friendships from them if you put forth some of your extra time!

2.) It's never to early to start internships

Since fifth grade, I have always wanted to be a pharmacist. So when I started my freshman year in college I decided to look at what type of jobs were available in my field. I applied to several local pharmacies as a technician. just so that I could start getting experience in the world of pharmacy. My advice for you is to do the same thing. Start look your freshman year for opportunities that are available. There are two reasons this is so important: 1) getting experience for your resume and 2) it will help clarify if this is really the field you want to go into. Many students wait on getting internships until their later years but just know that it is never too early to start. When I graduate this year with my degree in biology and start applying to pharmacy schools, I can say that I have had 3 almost 4 years of experience at a retail pharmacy. This opportunity will look great on your resume for grad schools. They want to know that you have gained some experience in the field you are applying to. In turn, it will help you not only help with grad school but it will help you identify if this really is your passion. Since I have been at CVS for 3 years now, I know that i could work the rest of my life for this company and be very happy. I love the patient interaction that I get at a retail pharmacy. Don't be afraid to start early. It will only benefit you in the end.

3.) Don't be afraid to say "No"

There's this stigma about college that you have to go out an party. Don't fall for that pressure. Yes, the rest of your friends may go out every night of the week and get plastered, but that doesn't mean you have to. It's okay to say "No, not tonight. I really need to study/read." I did not attend a single party my freshman year. Then when sophomore year rolled around I attended one party in which I went to be sure the two people who wanted me to go got home safely. Then, junior year arrived and attended a few more parties and since senior year has started I have been to none. So don't feel as though you need to party to get the real experience. I have loved every second of my college experience and it did not involve going to a party every night of the week. But also, don't be afraid to say "No" to drinking. I went to several parties and didn't drink. I made sure my friends were okay and got home okay. Going to a party doesn't mean you have to drink just go and have fun without the alcohol. As one of my best friends says "I enjoy just watching the drunks!" Remember, you can say no but still go have fun every once in a while!

College is a big transition for every student so don't fall for the stigma's. It's okay to approach college differently. Make college how you want it to be and remember to never lose focus of yourself. Good luck with the rest of this year and remember to have some fun!