Hey Friend,

You're probably freaking out right now, right? Freaking out because you're excited and freaking out because you're absolutely terrified at the same time. I get the feeling.

Things are kind of tense at home with your parents because it seems like in those last few weeks they have with you, they suddenly need to teach you absolutely everything you would possibly need to know if the world ends. I know that you want to be independent. I know that you think you are -- and you want to be -- an adult.

I know that feeling of freedom when you realize that there isn't going to be someone there who is 'bossing you around' all the time, so that you get your ish done. Sure, you have your RA -- who will be absolutely awesome, by the way -- but they aren't there to parent you.

I also know that drop in your stomach the first time something bad happens and all you want is a hug from your mom but she's almost three hours away.

I know how it feels when that first exam result comes back and you don't do as well as you thought. Sure, taking AP classes in high school was a lot, but that doesn't mean that college will be easy. You're gonna need to be intentional with your time -- how you spend it and how you don't.

I know how it feels when you stay up all night having deep talks with your roommate(s) -- those talks that make it seem like you're knitted together afterwards.

I know how it feels when you have that fight with a significant other and you have to figure out how to handle it.

I know what it's like to sit in the shower and cry because you don't know what to do, and no one is answering their phones.

I know that feeling of when you finally get it -- that one thing you've studied forever -- and it just clicks. You also kind of sit there and laugh at yourself for not quite getting it all along.

I know the amazing feeling of going home. The hugs from parents and siblings. The greetings of your pet(s). The smells. The sounds. The familiarity.

I know what it's like when you stay up all night with friends, laughing till your sides hurt.

I know what it's like to set up a TV behind the desk and watch Pitch Perfect with friends in your building because the WiFi on campus died.

I know what it's like to go to a club for the first (only) time -- and hate it.

I know what it's like to panic over the $700 worth of textbooks you bought at the beginning of semester, only to sell them back and get $60.

I know what it's like to try and Tetris pack all of your stuff when you move out -- all the while wondering where the heck all of this extra crap came from.

I know what it's like when you take all your pictures off the walls and finally close that door, turn the lock, and leave your family's house for who knows how long.

I know what it's like to feel uprooted and disconnected.

I know what it's like to feel so alone and heartbroken and afraid.

I know what it's like to watch as God provides for your every need before you even think about it.

I know what it's like to get up at four o'clock in the morning to watch the sun rise over Donner Lake.

I know what it's like to get up at three o'clock in the morning to get ready for a conference in Sacramento -- two and a half hours away.

I know what it's like to get sick for the first time and be unsure of which cold medicine you're supposed to take.

I know what it's like to call your mom eight times in the last hour because you keep remembering questions you forgot to ask her.

I know what it's like to be in college. The scary moments. The ones full of giggles. The times that make you angry just looking back on them. The ones that make you cry.

I know what it's like being nervous for what the future brings. But I know for certain that I don't have to because I know the One who holds the future.

Hey friend, college is tough. But I know you can do it. I know that you can choose to root yourself so deeply in your identity as God's kid. As one who is loved, cherished, and protected by the King. I know that you can move in and cry -- and it will be okay. I know you can find those friends that you don't think exist -- because I did. I know you can make an impact somehow -- I'm working on my own. I know that you can find those things you love and make this new place your home -- I have.

College is tough, but it isn't the end of the world. Your major isn't the end all, be all of who you are. You can be creative. You can be nervous. You can be courageous. You can be excited. You can be bold. You can be all these things. You can do this. I know because I fight everyday to do it myself.

Love, Someone Who's Been Where You Are