Dear Freshman me,

I know you are scared. I know you are excited. I know you are nervous. I know you are overwhelmed. I know you are confused. And I know you are probably wondering why I am writing you...

Well, being a rising Senior in college, I have a few things I wish someone would have told me as a Freshman in college. So, here we are. I am going to tell you.

Here are a list of some words of wisdom from Senior Madison to Freshman Madison (and any incoming college Freshman, of course).

1. Smile at everyone

You never know who may smile back. It could be your soon-to-be forever friend or a new special someone. And like Annie told us all those years ago, "You're never fully dressed without a smile."

2. Buy a planner

Most likely, you are going to have a completely different schedule than you did in high school. You won't have the same classes everyday. You may even have a class that only meets once a week. So, just do your brain a favor and get a planner to write down your assignments, meetings and events.

3. Stay on campus on the weekends.

There will be events your school will host that may not seem to be "cool" but go. Just go! People will be there. You will make friends even if yours aren't attending. There will most likely be free stuff (probably a t-shirt -- you will have approximately 74934 before you graduate). There will always be that same BBQ joint at home that you visit, but you only have four (maybe five) years in your college town/campus. Enjoy it while you can.

4. Take classes outside of your major.

Because I attend a Liberal Arts college, I am required to take many different classes, but I am grateful I took classes completely opposite of my major. They were fun, challenging and just a change of pace, material and faces. It is also a chance for you to be enlightened by different professors, that just may teach you something not only about a new subject, but maybe a thing or two about life.

5. Buy an eno.

Just do it, now. You will take the best naps, make the coolest eno-villages and have the best conversations with Jesus, your friends and maybe even some squirrels.

6. Get over "him." (This one may not apply to every incoming freshman, but I feel like it may apply to a handful.)

There is probably someone who you once thought was "the greatest person ever" that either broke your heart or turned out not living up to their title. Move on. Get over them. They aren't worth your tears. Do not spend another second, minute, tear or thought worrying about them. Pay close attention to this next piece of advice: There are plenty of other "him"s out there. Plenty of other great guys that want to spend time with you. Please do not let some boy keep you from moving on and making memories with someone else.

7. Take pictures.

Take lots of pictures. You don't have to post every single selfie or "candid" picture you add to your camera roll, but take silly pictures with your friends. You will be grateful for them years down the road--and they make for great wall decorations.

8. WORK OUT

You will not, I repeat, will not be 18 with great metabolism forever. Take advantage of the open gym and beautiful campus and go for a run, or meet up with some friends and go to the gym. You will be thankful for those extra burpees and squats when you're 21.

9. Contact your high school friends.

You spent (most likely) 4+ years with those people. Just because you go to different schools and don't have every class and lunch together every day doesn't mean you can't still talk. And liking their pics on Insta does not count as keeping in contact. Grab lunch. Spend the weekend with them. Have them spend the weekend with you. You will obviously have new friends, but it is always fun to reunite every now and then.

10. Volunteer.

Volunteering is so rewarding. Clean up a highway, or go dance at the nursing home. Serve a meal at a homeless shelter. Work with Habitat for Humanity one weekend. Sign up to help at Special Olympics. You are so blessed. Go use some of your love, energy and talents to spread God's love. Serve others, just as He came to serve.

11. Go on dates...or what I like to call Frates.

Yes, I spelled that correctly. A "frate" is a friend date. Go out to lunch, dinner, for coffee, enoing. Just go. If a guy asks you to grab dinner, and he is sweet (and sane, and safe and you have met him in person)...then go. What is a few hours? You will never know if you like him, or could like him, unless you just go!

12. Put your phone down.

Social media is consuming our society. People of all ages constantly have their eyes glued to their screens. Put your phone away and go throw a frisbee. Go for a run with friends--without your headphones. Do your homework? That is an important one. Just don't waste your time scrolling and refreshing your timeline when you could be making memories you may tell your grandkids.

Granted, these are only 12 things I wish someone would have told me when I was entering college. There are clearly many more things to know, but you know...I have faith in you. You will figure it out. Most of us do eventually.

Just one last, but definitely not least, tip. It is honestly the most important thing to remember: Keep your eyes towards the Father and He will direct your path straight. Psalm 37:4 reads: "Delight yourself in The Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Best of luck sugaa!

xox,

Senior me