Dear High School Student,

With graduation fast approaching for my youngest brother, the thought of college seems to be so stressful for him. He's freaking out about ACTs, entrance exams, and of course the letters of reference and portfolio reviews for scholarships and grants and financial aid... It's all true -- the ACT is challenging, entrance exams make or break your general education schedule, references are annoying to ask for, and they make you jump through hoops for a scholarship. I was freaked out too during my senior year. But it's not all bad, I swear. College is nothing like in the movies, and its nothing like high school. It's the beginning of the rest of your life and the most fun you'll ever have.

Believe me, I understand that you're scared. You think classes are going to be hard, and that midterms will kill you. Maybe you're gonna live off of Doritos, ramen noodles, and Gatorade. Maybe you'll even gain the freshman 15? Trust me: all of these myths can happen, but it's nothing like the horror stories your older siblings tell. You do study a lot, you will eat many noodles, but you'll have time for fun and real food as well. Every little fear you have is all in your head.

I will say this one thing about it: Once you stick a pin in your small high school bubble, it's almost as if you've been transported to a new world that's packed with some of the greatest people you'll ever meet, the hardest struggles you'll ever face, and the best time of your life. I know it seems strange for me to say so given that I'm only a freshman, but I've learned more about myself in this one year than all the 19 years I've been alive. You will too. Then, when you come home to catch up, you'll be surprised at how things are different but exactly the same. The sleepy town you grew up in -- that you couldn't wait to leave -- you'll end up missing so much! It seems like this terrifying rush of responsibility, but it's not like that at all. It's true when they say that college really can be the best 4 years of your life -- you just have to make it that way. So ace that ACT, send that essay, get those recommendations in, jump through fire for that scholarship -- get into your dream school! Carpe that diem. I know I did, and I couldn't possibly be happier.

Seniors of 2017! Good luck, and If you need any help, I'm here. Tweet me! College upperclassmen... even grads!