Your college years are going to be memorable. You will have countless laughs, parties, friends, and moments to look back on.
Maybe you went Greek. Maybe you didn't. Maybe you changed your major 10 times, or knew exactly what you wanted from the very first day of class. Everyone's story is different, and everyone will look back on this time differently.
I'm sure you've read similar things as your high school career came to a close, but the same outlook will come in handy in college. We've all heard people say, "High school is the worst four years of your life, so don't worry, it will be over soon." and, "College will be the best time of your life! Enjoy it. It will fly by."
When there's that kind of pressure on a statement, the outcome will surprise you.
The best four years? That statement cuts deeper than you'd think. That statement implies that it is all downhill after this. You're old and working hard and then you die. That is so false, it makes me ache. We can live to be 100. Do not boil an entire lifetime down into one little snippet of it.
We have so many things to look forward to after these years. Our first jobs, our first homes we pay for on our own, or maybe you want to get married and start a family! There are so many things coming our way.
I'm saying all of this because these four short years are jam packed with choices, feelings, stress, and moments. Some moments are good, some are great, and yes, some are terrible.
You don't have to ever feel like something is wrong with you if you're not having as much fun as the people around you are.
It is OK to come home after a day of class and just cry even though you don't know why. It is OK to reevaluate your friend group and start from scratch. It is OK to stay in on a weekend and watch Lifetime movies instead of hitting the town. It is OK to take a weekend home to just see your parents faces if you can. And it is OK if these years aren't the best years you have.
College is hard. We're never done growing up. These times of transition are just as intense as high school, you just have to deal with more crap, and your mom can't fix everything with a hug or an email like she used to.
It will all work out, and there are so many more good times heading your way, so chin up. Be OK with not being OK, because it is.
