As a rising sophomore, I surely do not know all that college has to offer.

But, I can still offer some words of wisdom for those bright, fresh faces that will be joining our ranks in just a few short weeks. Here's to you, Class of 2018.

My darling freshmen,

Your first semester of college is probably the largest amount of confusion that you'll experience. No one (seriously no one) knows exactly what’s going on or quite what to do, where to go, how to do things, whats socially acceptable at a given school, etcetera. You must be accountable for yourself, but not everyone knows how. Some people struggle to find friends while others seem to attract others like some sort of human magnet. You meet people you could have never imagined, your best friends, people you can’t quite figure out, and people you wish you hadn’t met at all. It is easy to do anything and everything all the time, and at first, you probably will.  

You will be surprised how many first semester freshmen consider transferring. It could be you, even if you least expect it. You may think everyone is having more fun than you at University of All Your Highschool Friends, University of Ideal Location, or University of Exotic Country. But honestly, your first semester will barely scratch the surface of all your college years will offer you. Like they say—good things take time. 

You will worry about grades, budgeting money, discovering who you are, petty things, relationships, perceptions, and much more. Yet these things will be overshadowed by things you will love. Free time galore, classes that you want.. WHEN you want, new friends, new discoveries, new experiences. You will learn that the best people are humble and that there has never been a better time to be exactly who you are. And that YES you DO have to study.  

Do not let “freshman” be a demeaning term. Embrace your year and make the most of it. Upperclassmen are jealous that you have the best four years of your life ahead of you.  

Flourish.  

Sincerely,  

Me