When I started college in 2016, my biggest fear and/or worry was finding my classes. Thankfully, my University is smaller than that of Louisiana State University or The University of Alabama. Either way, it was terrifying to me. Now, nearing the end of my junior year, I realize that that was the least of my worries.Now I am faced with the big jump: what's next?Granted, I am still a junior. I have one year left in my safe haven until I have to move on. Of course, I could go to graduate school and get a master's to avoid actually growing up but seriously who has that kind of money? Definitely not me.

1. What in the actual world am I going to do with this degree?

2. Where am I going to go?

If your anything like me, you want to get out of your hometown as quickly as possible. For the record, I love my family more than life itself. I am closer to my parents and my brother than most families. However, the taste of freedom is just too sweet. I moved out of my parents' house and into my own apartment at 17-years-old. Yes, paying rent sucks. Yes, I have to have a few jobs. But no, I do not want to move back home.

Part of growing up and figuring out who you are is MOVING OUT OF YOUR HOMETOWN even if it is only for a few months. Who knows? Maybe you'll find that you love your small town after all.

Eventually, you have to deal with the inevitable apartment/home/shack-in-the-woods hunt. First, you have to find your dream city. Second, you have to make sure your small bank account can afford that. And lastly, you have to find the house/apartment/shack. As someone who is currently looking for a place in the big city, I can tell you that it is not a slice of homemade apple pie. It is a task only someone with patience has (That is most definitely not me).

3. Was it all for nothing?

Yes, this is a question that pops up quite frequently. Did I chose the wrong major? Should I have been a nurse like my mom? Should I drop out and get a minimum wage job and hope to get promoted?

Stop the questions because the truth is, it is completely worth it. I cannot even begin to explain how far I have come in the 3 years at this institution. Granted, my anxiety still likes to mess with me, but I have accomplished more things in college than I ever had.

College teaches you, as cliché as it sounds, how to be yourself. Most importantly, college teaches you WHO you are. You learn things like what type of life you want, who you want it with, your goals, your ambitions, etc. Did you know that I LOVE to public speak? I didn't. College taught me that (thank you college).

In other words, college is truly a great part of your life. I seriously hope it's not the "best years of your life" like everyone says because I don't want to live my life in a steady decline. However, the things you learn in college are lessons you won't learn anywhere else. And no, I'm not talking about biology (although, it could apply).

If you're reading this before you go to college, just remember that college is what you make it. It is fun, exciting, and albeit nerve-wracking, it is beautiful. Just remember that your last year or two, you have to start thinking about the future.

And then it's another fiasco.