Dear Friends,

I go back to college in about three weeks. A lot of people might be back to the academic grind already, and others may be getting their last "summer banger" in before leaving this weekend. It's a sad, yet exhilarating time for students all across the country. Lot's of us are thinking:

"Will this school year be better or worse than the last?"

"I'm going to keep my grades up this semester."

"This year is going to be about time management."

"I hope I have classes with my friends this year."

And so on and so on.

Some people handle the transition of summer into school really well, while others drown with the anxiety and stress that comes from it. I will say that I used to DREAD going back to school. I'd cry. I wouldn't sleep. I'd make sure to have people over the last day of summer so we ended the summer on a great note, and I'd still feel nauseous about the first day back.

Now I could care less.

When I moved into my college dorm last August, it did not phase me at all. I wasn't sad about the change, and I didn't feel anxious. My parents said goodbye to me and I didn't break down from my anxiety. I went head on into this new change of scenery and I loved every experience of it. I made new friends the first day right away, and the rest is history.

I realized that it is okay to be afraid of change (ex. going back to school), but if you don't accept it or try to embrace it in a positive way, it won't get any better. I am PUMPED to go back to college. I miss all my friends and I cannot WAIT to move in to my apartment officially. Over this summer I have been working two jobs and on my days off I usually went up to the apartment to move stuff in. Yeah, it was a lot of work and what not, but I knew that it would pay off in the end and it did.

I did enjoy my summer. I had some great vacations, I got some money from my jobs, and I hung out with some friends here and there. Do I wish I had more free time? Absolutely. I'm not going to dwell on that though with less than one month of summer left on my table. I'm going to enjoy the heck out these upcoming two weeks and party it out at home with some friends from high school, and celebrate these past few months and the school year to come.

There's still time left to take a day trip to the beach or go on that hiking trip you've always wanted to go on. There's still time to catch up with some old friends or pull an all nighter for no reason at all. So go do it. Go make some free time for yourselves and enjoy what's left of summer. Don't be sad once it's over either. Embrace the new school year. Go in with your head held high, and enjoy your new year. It will only be awesome if you make it that way.

Yeah, there's going to be tons of school work coming our way, but who cares? Do the work and make more free time for yourself DURING the school year. Make it the year you want to be. Don't be afraid of your classes or activities that you do because you are afraid of the stress you might receive. Go in and take it one day at a time. Make new friends. Reconnect with old ones. Find new hobbies. Stay in touch with what you love. Go on adventures. Skip a day of class to take a mental health day. Do what you need to do to make your year right.

Summer is great and all, but I am ready for this school year to start. I don't know about you all, but this year is going to be awesome sauce. Enjoy your summers and get ready for the school year. I know you all will do what is best for you.

Thank you for reading, and I will see you all next time with a new article. Peace!

Your Friend,

Al