Dear Incoming Freshmen,

I know that many of you are so happy to be done with high school and can't wait to spend the entire summer hanging around with your friends, but if there is one thing I can give you advice on, it's to spend time with your family.

Once you get to college, you will completely understand. You may learn many things in college, but the most important thing I've learned, and I bet most of you will learn, is about quality time with your family.

You have to remember that going to college isn't only a change for you, it is for your family, too. Your sister or brother might be shocked at how much they miss fighting with you every night and your parents will have to learn how to readjust to living without your presence right there.

If you're home and just in your room, locked away from your family, go downstairs and sit in the family room with them. You will regret the times you just didn't hang out with your mom when you were bored, or go to a game with your dad because you just didn't feel like it.

By all means, hang out with your friends. You will miss them so much as well. But if there is a family party or even just a family dinner that you're thinking about skipping because you made plans with your BFF — re-think your plans and see if they can meet after. Family is forever, friends aren't always.

Once you're in college, hearing that your family is coming to visit is the best feeling in the world. Most of you probably have never been away from your family for more than a week or two. College isn't just a vacation away from them — it's a fun, but stressful, time where you will be needing that hug from your mom and dad more often than you ever thought.

When you finally get to college, you will have a new appreciation for your family that is not comparable to much else. You will want to be back home with them or you will be sad when you've missed a family event. So, always remember that, at the end of the day, you need your family, no matter what.