Dear Incoming Freshman,

I won't lie to you. College is scary. You learn more about yourself, those who surround you and the world without a textbook. You get first hand experience of what it's really like to pull an all-nigther so you can at least swing a 70 on that midterm. You learn your strengths, your weaknesses. You learn your roommate's sleeping schedule and that the cafeteria only serves pulled pork on Fridays.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you'll learn a lot here. I could try to list everything, but the list would be endless, and I know that you'll probably learn different things than I did. But that being said, I have to tell you something. It's something very important, especially because you'll soon be taking my spot at this school, filling the shoes I've left after I've walked across that stage to get my diploma. And that thing is: You're going to love it here.

College is the best thing I could have ever imagined. Here, you expand your mind. Your intellect is challenged (as is your sanity). You meet some of your best friends, and make some of your favorite memories. The little moments like driving to McDonald's at 4 a.m. to get ice cream because you were craving it while studying become a typically routine, and while that might seem lame at the moment, I promise you that you'll look back on these memories and traditions with a smile.

You're about to go through a major change in your life. The transition into college isn't necessarily easy: the classes are harder, you don't know everyone, and the pressure is officially on from the second you step on campus. But that doesn't mean that it isn't worth it. Because-- I promise you -- it is.

College is your time to be free and grow. It's your time to do road trips with friends, to finally read those books on your bookshelf. Your four years of undergrad are meant to help you as a person and as a student, so take advantage of it.

It'll be a whirlwind of excitement, tears, laughter and drama. It'll be something you expected and yet it'll be something you could have never imagined. Somehow college is everything you need it to be.

So, this in mind, I wish you the best, dear incoming freshman. Enjoy everything this school has to offer. It will become your second home, your friends will become your second family, and when it's times to say goodbye, you won't exactly know how to. But that's okay. Because college impacts you. And like I said, you'll love it here.

Congrats on choosing this school. It'll treat you well. Just make sure to love it back.

Sincerely,

A Senior Who Isn't Ready to Leave.