Dear my freshman in college self,

High school was nothing compared to what I have experienced at college. Don’t let me paint a pretty picture for you, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies; but with some driven attitude, you can make everything possible. I wanted to write to you to tell you what to do and expect in these next four years.

When you leave for college, there is so much that no one tells you. No one is keeping this information from you to be rude or make you find out on your own. I think it’s just the memories and the ideas that scare us away from relaying the information. For instance here’s are two words that have always scared me: due date. As small and simple as those words are, they always tend to appear during your busiest times whenever everything else is due. See, those words are scary?

Aside from the scary part, you experience this phenomenon that no one else can do for you. You grow up. You become a part of who you’re supposed to be. You find passion and love in so many different things you never thought you would. Growing up can be terrifying but at the same time, you’re going to turn out to be an awesome person. Young one, you can’t grow up with your nose in the book and your hands busy at work.

I wanted to remind you that you’re finally out of this small town you grew up in. You have whatever you want right in front of you. Here’s my question: why aren’t you taking it? As a freshman, start your beginnings fresh. I appreciate your work and study ethic. You came to college to learn. You also came to college to grow, rather you would like to admit it or not. Having a job in college is tough. It’s admirable, but it takes so much time away. A college budget isn’t the easy to work with so that’s one reason why I would never tell you to quit. Don’t work full time. You have the rest of your life to do that. Take a break and laugh a little more often. Next time your friends want to do something, please remember to tell them yes.

Coming from the senior year me, please remember to take every moment slow. I remember four years ago I complained about having to do four, long, studious years of college. Out of that all, I was right about one thing: it’s only four years. These four years go by so incredibly fast. Stop rushing to get this, that or the other done. Instead, take it all in, one at a time. Hold on tight to every moment that you have because, within seconds, that moment will be nothing but a memory.

One last thing, don’t be scared. Yes, the world here on campus is a little different then what we grew up with. I want to know that you become fearless. You take every opportunity given to you and you run with it. You run so far and so hard that no one can stop you. As a freshman, the only thing that is stopping you is you. You can’t run if you’re too scared to walk. Become the social butterfly that we all know you can be and fly.

I will forever cherish the memories made here at college. I want that experience for you too. Hold on to this letter and refer to it whenever times get a little tough. More importantly, hold on to yourself. Next time work, homework, tests, and obligations start to pile up, meet me in the mirror. I’ll have to tell you then that you can do whatever you need to.

I’ll be seeing you around. Make us proud.

Sincerely,

Senior year in college me.