To every senior graduating from high school and dreaming about freshman year, don't dream too hard because before you know it, it will be your first day and then your last.
I remember the exact moment after my parents gave me their final hugs, I walked into my dorm alone, scared, feeling independent, but most of all, ready for an adventure.
I cannot express the crazy rollercoaster of emotions that you will feel throughout your first year. I started off my journey joining a sorority and immediately was a sister to 200 of the happiest looking people I had ever seen. I thought to myself on bid-day, "Will I really call these strangers my sisters?" Now finishing up my freshman year, they were the hardest part of saying goodbye.
There were times I can remember thinking to myself, "Will I ever be happier than this?"
I can picture my first home football game. Make sure you stop in the middle of the madness and take it all in. It was the best feeling to see young people just like me, wearing and supporting the school colors that are going to make our future, all cheering and laughing together.
The weekends are for you, destressing and your friends. Whether you choose to go out on the weekends or not, is your personal choice, but I can tell you that I had some very happy nights spent with amazing people. Some of the best moments of my freshman year were because of great music, dancing with new best friends and staying up all hours of the night.
On the other spectrum, there are times, weekends, and nights when staying in, watching movies, and getting late night pizza and cookies sounds like a great plan. So many of my favorite moments were made from best friend cuddle sessions, crying over the "Last Song" and eating like there is no tomorrow.
Yes, there will be times when you cry and cry and cry because of a bad exam, no sleep, and you feel like there is nothing else you can give. Everyone gets frustrated and angry but that is what can push you to greatness. Try studying for a couple extra hours the next time, ask for help from friends and professors, and make daily goals to get that A or B.
Get involved. There is nothing more I can stress than to get involved. Your campus wants you to be great, make memories, find people that have the same passion as you, and push yourself. Go to club fairs and look on your campus website to find clubs and groups that interest you. There is nothing better than dedicating time to something that is enjoyable.
Before I left for college, I was constantly being told that I was going to find friends that last me a lifetime. I never was quite sure what that meant, or if it were true, but I can tell you here today, that it is. It is a time when you can pick and choose the people you want to be around, you can be selfish. You will meet people that push you to be better, make you laugh so hard you pee, give you a shoulder to cry on and let you be the truest you. There are also the people that remind you of your high school or the people you don't see yourself being best friends with, and that is okay, it comes naturally but you will find your "people". Put yourself out there.
Lastly, don't wish it away. Put yourself in each moment and be present. Be present each and every day. The next semester will happen, don't wait for it, enjoy the moment you are in. Make memories, laugh, be defeated and learn how to bounce back. Whatever you do, be the best version of you and let others see your true colors. Don't wish it away, because it'll be gone before you know it.