If advising says you need to stay and take summer classes: take the summer classes. It’s better to stay put for a few weeks and get some extra credits out of the way rather than go on your preplanned beach bender with the frat bros. (Disclaimer: I wasn’t going to the preplanned beach bender with the frat bros. Does that even exist?)

When you’re in Canada and your dad asks if you want to climb that twisty, scary stairwell down to the depths of the earth: Do it. Even if it’s 200+ creaky, crumbling wooden steps. It’s worth it to see the gloriously strong waterfall at the end of it. It also puts life into perspective.

Make time for your family, always. When you get back from summer classes, spend lazy days with your sisters. Go with them to get coffee and pick them up from their job at the Humane Society. Even if you feel like you’d rather sleep, you’ll appreciate the quality time when you’re 8+ hours away come fall.

Surround yourself with genuine friends. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the falsehoods and surface level drama, but stay close to the people who actually reach out and care for you. Answer the phone at 1 A.M. when your friend has boy issues and needs a hug. You only have a year left before real life comes knocking.

Make decisions and stick to them. Don’t cancel plans. Spend time getting your life in order before you commit yourself to one too many obligations. Set aside time for yourself. Don’t give yourself reason to feel stuck. There’s not much you can do about time passing by so don’t be scared of it. It’s inevitable.