Congratulations, you have survived! No more waking up at 6 a.m. for class and being trapped in one place for eight hours a day!

Take in this summer, it will be a whirlwind. You will be so excited about the future ahead at a new school with new people, yet you will feel afraid. Maybe it's not going to a school with anyone you know or going far away from home. You know that one song by Lana Del Ray called "Summertime Sadness?" The title of that song is very accurate to at least my summer before college. Not to scare you into thinking anything, but it was because I knew nothing would be the same once I left for school. That is why you need to enjoy and savor the moments you make this summer. Take lots and lots of pictures, meet up with friends who mean the most to you and give lots of hugs.

This year you've experienced many lasts. Last homecoming, prom, school dances in general. Last bells that decide if you get detention for being tardy or not. Your summer will be filled with grad parties, saying goodbye to friends and family and starting a new adventure. But let me tell you this adventure will be the ride of your life. Now I'm no expert considering I only just finished my freshman year of college but I can say I'm still fresh with the emotions and whirlwinds that I experienced going off to college.

College will be the best and worst time of your life all at the same time.

You are in charge of yourself and no one is there to tell you to do anything

You will meet friends and some will stay but some may leave throughout your year, and that's OK.

It is OK to not know what you are majoring in. An 18-year-old is not supposed to know what they want to do with the rest of their life heck you haven't even lived enough to know. I surely did not know what I wanted to do with my life. I somewhat knew since I was little what I wanted to do, but man did it change when I got to school.

Be yourself. Whatever you do, stay true to who you are because you will find life long friends who love you for who you are that way.

Make sure to take in this summer and do whatever makes you happy. Surround yourself with the people who you truly love and who truly love you. College will be such a great time but you do not want to wish away your summer either. August will be here soon enough and you will be on to your next adventure. So for now, your boards and boards of college essentials and DIY’s on Pinterest can wait. Take time to enjoy the moment, enjoy your friends and make the most of your last summer being “kid." Make this summer the best one yet because it's all about what you make it.