Dear Self,

Your first year of college has come to an end. You met some amazing friends and built a family, rushed a sorority even though you thought you never would, had surgery on your knee, passed a few classes and almost failed one (but you fought through and got a C), joined a few clubs and attended a few parties, learned more things about yourself and the troubles and joys of "adulting" and finally felt that pain of what it is like to have zero dollars in your bank account.

Overall, you began established yourself and created a home away from home. You accomplished more than you thought you would and suffered a few disappointments as well, but it is time to start setting goals and planning for your sophomore year.

Remember your goals as to why you wanted to come to college and place those at the forefront of your mind and strive towards them every day. If it is to get a degree, then continue to place academics first. You are not taking English 1101 anymore. So, buckle down on your studies. Go to those office hours and extra credit opportunities.

You are paying for it, so you might as well go. If your goal is to make more connections and networking, participate in more campus and community activities to find your passion and connect with others that feel the same.

You are not the new kid on the block anymore, and that plays into your favor. You know the best parts of your town and where each building is and what classes are in it. You know what days the cafeteria will have tolerable food and you'll know when to cook dinner for yourself. You know more than you think about the environment around you so if you see someone who is lost, help them out.

Remember what it is like to be a new freshman walking around trying not to look at the map you got from orientation because you do not know where your class is. That person will remember your gesture forever.

Sophomore means "wise fool" and to me, that is fitting. You know more than you did before but you still have a lot of more for growth and improvement. So, take this time to work on getting to know yourself more and continue to live, think, and breathe outside of the box. Continue to challenge yourself in every aspect that you can.

Welcome to your second year of college. You got through the first one and I have faith that you will get through the second one too.

Love,

Yourself

P.S.- Get a better nap schedule.