Dear person who is about to begin freshman year,

I’m really not worried about college. I guess that can seem pretty crazy, especially because I know so many people that are so overwhelmed and stressed out about this new beginning. But I’m not. I’m just not.

So, if you are one of these people that are so overwhelmed and stressed out about this new beginning, then you may be thinking this article definitely isn’t for you. However, I think you should keep reading.

Stop. Take a breath. Let it out. Repeat.

Now, it also may not make very much sense that I haven’t even started college yet. I’m still awaiting my move in as I write this, and when this article is published, I’ll only have moved in the day before. However, I write this because we’re in the same boat.

All starting college.

All coming off of a summer that was a weird limbo between high school and college.

All leaving our present way of living.

All beginning a new chapter in our young adult lives.

We’re all about to leave our family behind. Maybe you’re super independent like me and are ready to start fresh, or maybe you’re scared to be away from home. Either way, remember to call. Even if it’s not for your sake. Wherever home is, and whoever makes up family, I’m sure they’d love to hear from you, even if it’s a simple “I happy and okay- just checking in.”

We’re all about to leave our friends behind. Maybe you’re going to a school where you have them on campus, or a short drive away, or across the country. Whoever they are and wherever they may be, don’t forget about them. We’re all going off and meeting new people, but those that you love now will still be here when you get back. Don’t forget about them. Unfortunately for me, I love a little too hard and connect a little too easily with those around me. If you’re a friend of mine, you know that I truly love you unconditionally with every part of my being. I’d say my oversized heart is both a blessing and a curse. To whoever you’re leaving, try and keep in touch, whether it’s a phone call, facetime, text, anything. It’s important to let others know you’re thinking about them. To my friends that I’m leaving, know that I’ll miss you so so much and that my love for each of you will stretch across the country to wherever you are. I won’t forget about you.

We’re all about to leave our town behind. Whether you come from a big city, the middle of nowhere, or a small suburb like me, it may be awhile before you drive those streets again or walk through town. Although I can’t wait to leave, I’m sure it will be weird the next time I’m here. The signs and buildings you go by everyday, the familiar layout of your house and where the trees are located beside the sidewalk will become a renewed memory the next time you go home.

We’re all about to leave our current way of life. You probably have a routine you follow, even if it’s loosely practiced. Something as simple as hopping in your car and driving to the supermarket or walking down the street to your friend’s house is no longer an option. The way you live, eat, sleep, study, socialize, and simply be will change. If something works now though, adapt it to your new lifestyle. If something doesn’t fit into your new way of life, find a different way.

We’re all about to start our future. Ever since kindergarten, we’ve been working up to where we are now. First through twelfth, we’re finally finished. Now it’s our time to step out into the world and figure out how we’re going to leave our mark. Whether you know exactly what you want your future to hold, have no idea, or thought you did and are now rethinking it, embrace it. Embrace it all. This is the journey to the rest of your life. It’s not all about where you’re going through- don’t forget to embrace the path you’re on currently. All the obstacles, joys, dreams and challenges you face and will be facing in the near future, are yours. Embrace them, no matter how much they may suck at the moment or how much you can’t wait for them to be over. You won’t have them forever and they’re making up who you are and what you are to become. So embrace it.

To future freshmen, don’t worry. Relax. Work your butt off. Love every moment. Don’t forget to stop and look around where you are and appreciate it. Miss people and know that that means it’ll be even better when you see them again. Don’t be afraid to change it up. Meet new people. Try new things. Embrace it- with all you are and everything you have.

All my love,

A person who's also about to begin freshman year that's in the same boat as you