Dear Incoming Freshmen,

A year ago I was right where you are, feeling exactly how you feel. I was terrified of packing up my old high school life and opening the doors to my new life as an adult college student. I thought that I knew what to expect, but let’s face it, no one actually knows what to expect, and quite honestly once you get here, you still don’t really know what’s going on. But you learn to adapt and become fearless. When you first move in, you will notice a bunch of nervous looking freshmen trying not to act terrified and confused. Everyone is sweating and looking for the volunteer move-in crew made up of current students and some event coordinators to help move all of your things. The realization that you overpacked will set in and you will probably become embarrassed at the sight the pile of belongings that once fit in your bedroom, but will not possibly fit in your tiny dorm room. (And the answer is yes, you did, in fact, pack way too many shirts and not enough underwear.) Whoever brought you to school, whether it be family or friends, will be just as nervous, excited, and anxious as you, but they will try to keep their composure as you slowly begin to lose your own. And that is perfectly okay.

Once you are settled in, the realization that you are on your own and in charge of your own life and success hits you in the face like a gust of cold wind with a hint of pelting rain. At this time, it is essential for you to sit, breathe, and repeat (as many times as necessary) “I’ve got this.” And it’s true! You will be able to handle whatever situation you encounter. There will come a time during your first year that you will hit rock bottom (whatever rock bottom is for you). But from that failure or even failures, you will rise and continue on in your academic journey. There are days when you will come home from an exam or a class and just fall into a heap of Kim Kardashian-crying-face tears and that’s OKAY! But I promise you that for every bad day you have, there will be many MANY more good ones that make up for them.

For many new college students, the thought of making new friends can be terrifying. You have to start all over again, just like in high school. I remember being terrified at the thought of being lonely and friendless. And you know what? For the first semester, I was! All I have to say is thank goodness for my roommate Rachel who helped keep me sane. But by the end of the first semester, or maybe by the end of your second semester, you will find a tight group of friends who you absolutely adore and who absolutely adore you. It is up to you to make the effort to get out and make a name for yourself, something that I am still working on today.

These four years will fly by. Remember how quickly high school went by? Just think about how quickly college will pass. Make sure that you find something that you're passionate about and surround yourself with people who you love and who love you. Don’t worry about whether or not you made the right decision regarding your major, or focus on the fact that you unfortunately chose to study the wrong section of notes for your exam. Everything in life is temporary, and even though college may seem like a never-ending dark tunnel, there is a light waiting for you at the very end.

Keep walking my friend. Welcome to your new beginning.

With lots of love and hugs,

Brooke