It's that time of year again. Kids are miserable about going back to school, and parents are overjoyed to have their children out of their hair for six hours a day. Going back to school is much different when preparing to start college. I've noticed that practically all summer, but now that the end is here, I'm really experiencing what it's like.

For me, the final week before school begins has always been panic time whether its buying last minute supplies, worrying about classes, or hoping I have lunch with at least some of my friends. My younger brother started high school this week, and he's been pretty laid back about it, aside from complaining a lot. I always had that feeling too, wishing I could sleep in every day, and binge watch Netflix instead of sitting in class. Now is definitely the time I'd be getting into panic mode, and I am. Except, it's about a thousand times worse.

I already know college is going to be a huge change. Going from senior year of high school and knowing everyone, being completely comfortable with my surroundings to being a new freshman in a much bigger school, is going to be difficult. To make things worse, I'm literally the only person from my high school who decided to go to my college. I'm starting out the year without even one familiar person around me.

While the thought of getting a fresh start is exciting, I'm also worried beyond belief about all of the new things going on. I'm worried about my roommate, and whether we'll get along, about getting lost on campus, and about having everything I need on move in day. And I'm worried about finding a good job on campus.

I'm sure that most people starting college are in the same boat as me. We're all worried, and panicking, and wishing we could stay home with our parents and not have to act like adults so soon. These final few days before leaving and the first days away from home are some of the toughest, for most of us. It's also extremely exciting, so we're feeling a mix of anxious and worried (and maybe a little sad) and overall it's all really confusing.

I'm trying to look past everything that could go wrong and focus on how great my new experiences in college will be. I look forward to making new friends, joining clubs, and learning a lot in my classes. I also know that all of my worrying is probably pointless, because by this time next week I'll already be starting to settle in at school. I'll probably be looking back at this and wondering why I was so worried in the first place.

As for everyone else, of course this time is difficult. But you just have to push through it. No matter how many times you go through your dorm checklist, you'll forget something. We all will, and that's okay. When classes start, we'll all get lost on campus. That's okay, too. We'll all want to call our parents and go home within the first few weeks, but that'll end, too. We just have to get through these first weeks, and everything will be okay.