In high school, you're constantly wishing for the prom, your senior trip, and the most memorable night that goes by in a blur: graduation. Life goes by faster than you think so I am asking you one thing not to do: blink. Just don't blink.

Dear Class of 2017,

Your days of free education are coming to an end in a few short months. The friends you have now will most likely not be your friends next year. If you still have friends in high school, just realize that they will be doing high school things and you will be doing college things. You're probably going to lose them as friends along the way and your real friends are the ones that are going to contact you when you're on break. Not the ones who text you when you are convenient to them.

As I realized who my real friends were, I slowly took myself out of the picture for other people. My friend Jenna is probably the only one I really talk to on a weekly basis (Jenna, if you're reading this - hi). I also talk to her mom, who acts like another mom to me and she knocks some sense into me or buys me pizza when I'm sad.

From left to right: Vicki, myself, Jenna, and Ericca at Borderntown Regional High School's graduation.

Another thing I realized when I went away to college is that making new friends is tough. Thankfully, I became really close with my roommate, Emma. If we weren't close, living together would've been awkward. I also became close with my RA and a guy that lives down the hall. His name is David and I guess he's cool. Completely kidding - David is one of the coolest guys I have met. My RA Lex is pretty awesome, too. I can go to her for anything. For example, I had a really crappy day so I texted her and asked her if it was okay if I could stop by her room. She said it was okay and so I walked down the hall and started crying. She comforted me and then offered me mac & cheese and then we went and made it and I was okay. It's a major key to become close with your RA!

College is tough but life is tough, too. You will learn to adjust and you will learn to live with new people and without people who didn't seem to need you anymore. Although it's going to be hard when you move away or your friends move four hours away, hell, even to sunny Florida, it's your job to keep in contact with the ones that you care about. If you try to reach out to people and they don't answer, don't waste your time waiting for them "because waiting for [them] is like waiting for rain in this drought. Useless and disappointing" (I'm sorry, I had to take the words from "A Cinderella Story" because it's now on Netflix).

Another thing you're going to realize that when you find your people, those might be the friends you will have for a long time. When I came to Rider, I knew no one but I joined the Equestrian Team and honestly, that was probably one of the best life choice I made in a long time. I became friends with my awesome team captain Polina (who makes you step on her foot if she steps on your foot - don't worry, it's a Russian thing), my amazing mentor Kayla who gives some of the best pep talks, and Melissa, the best driver to shows and someone who gives great advice and is so humble about everything she does. My team is the reason I love Rider and it feels like home. So if any of my teammates are reading this, I love you guys and thank you for making me feel like I finally belong somewhere.

This was my first IHSA show at Hickory Run Farm in Newtown, PA where I was Recognized Rider of the Week.

Being away from family is probably one of the hardest parts, too. My mom and I are used to talking on a daily basis. Now when I come home, it's like I sometimes feel out of place and I can't tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing. My younger brother finally has established a friend group who he hangs out with on a daily basis. I also miss my two dogs a lot because seeing their faces once a week kinda sucks. Another thing that makes me upset is that I am not seeing my horses like I used to. Before college, I was there when I wasn't working which was three to four days a week. Now with college, I'm lucky if I see them once a week and it pains me. My horses are my heart and soul and it hurts me when I can't see them. Thankfully I have people looking out for them and making sure they're okay and their mommy loves them! Phantom on the left and Tundra on the right.

So as you go through your first year of college, remember to always remember your first priority: take care of yourself. Remember to do self checks and grab a hold on life when it seems to be floating away. NEVER feel guilty for that nap but don't forget to do your work. Create a study group with friends from your classes - you won't regret it! Venture out and make new friends because people don't know who you were in high school. That's the beauty of college, no one will ever know if you were the loser or the desirable and quite frankly, they could give a rat's ass about who you once were. It matters who you are now. So shine so bright that the world has to get sunglasses!

Sincerely,

The Girl Who Chose the Right School for Her

P.S. GO BRONCS!