I’ve always been the kid that loved going to school. Like, I woke up and actually jumped out of bed on the first day of school. Who does that? (Me.) I get excited when “Back-to-School” sales start and I peruse all the school supplies available because it’s all so cool. I love school. I always started planning my “first day of school” outfit in July. (I’m not kidding.) My backpack was packed with all my supplies by the beginning of August. I knew my classes, teachers, classrooms, and locker number by the time I walked onto school grounds the first day. I am a school nerd.

I haven’t changed since high school. Now, I’m waiting for college to start again in the fall and I can’t wait to go school supply shopping and dorm room shopping and buy my books and… Anyways. I’m still excited about the classes I have this coming semester. I can’t wait for move-in day and the first day of classes and everything else there is about being where I love.

I love learning and class discussions. I love the reading and writing papers. I love all of it. Most of all, though, I love being with other people who all want the same thing I do and are going through the same everyday experiences I am. I feel at home when I’m with people that share my passion for learning and drive to excel. I love that I can be around people that understand the jokes about professors and classes. The people I’ve met in school and college have been some of the best (and sometimes most inspiring) people in my life. These people are a huge reason for why I love school so much.

And for all of the incoming college freshmen: this is it! Your world will be rocked by the people, the classes, and the experiences you have in college. If you haven’t loved school in the past, college just might change that for you. Everything is so different, and you can have a lot more control over what you do, the classes you take, and the people you hang out with. Make it great! You can learn to love school when it becomes something that you choose and organize.

And for returning college students: let’s make another year great. We know how great it can be to live the life we love and learn the things we want to learn. I’m already looking forward to another great year, and I hope you are too.

And for me? It’s back to creating my school supply wish list, dorm room wish list, clothing wish list, and more. My Pinterest board for college needs some attention too, I think.