This is it. This is the day you've heard about your entire life. For years you had heard about this mystical place called college.How it's this crazy experience of finally being able to live away from home and try your hand at adulting (maybe experience some wild parties). For some of you, it's a place that will be out of state, for some it will be less than an hour from home. But today is the day, the day you move into that small room you more than likely have to share with a total stranger. I'm sure there are a million things racing through your mind. You might be anxious, nervous, excited or a combination of all of these things. Fearing that your roommate will be crazy or that you won't be able to find any of your classes. Wondering how you're going to manage to live by yourself, away from the people you've spent your entire lives with.

But I want you to stop right there. Take a deep breath and take all of this in.

These next four years will be some of the most momentous and shaping years for you as a person. You will have so many experiences that are going to change your life and teach you so many valuable lessons. Take in all of it. I know that you may be scared, and you're trying your best not to let anyone see it. But, I'll let you in on a little secret, everyone is. Everyone moving in with you right now is scared, facing the fear of something new. Say Hi to that girl down your dorm hallway. She's going to probably smile right back. Invite your roommate to go to dinner with you and some girl from your floor. Be open to learning and meeting new people.

Go to your orientation activities. I know it sounds like a boat of lame, but orientation is one of the best memories. It's a time when you get to see all of the buildings on campus to learn where your classes are and get a bunch of free stuff. It's worth it. Plus, staying in your dorm room all day watching Netflix isn't going to make you very many friends. You're going to meet so many amazing people here. People that will one day be your bridesmaids, your best friends, your Greek brothers, and sisters. These friendships you make here will be the friends you still have when you're 40.

Try new things. Try Greek Life. Try the paintball club. Work on campus jobs. Keep putting yourself out there and try. I cannot express to you how important it is to get involved. You're going to be so surprised at all the opportunities that come along with these new experiences you're about to embark on.

Go to parties, have fun. You're only in college once, and these are the four years where you still have the training wheels on the adulting bicycle. Just always remember that your freshman year grades are important. Put in work to keep those grades high and cut loose on the weekend. Find a healthy balance of both with friends that will always have your back; a group that also knows this balance.

Let Mom or Dad set up your room for you. I know you're annoyed, and you feel embarrassed because they seem to keep talking your roommate's ear off, but be gentle with them. They are leaving their baby, who's no longer a baby at college. Let them hug you and tell you how proud they are. You have to remember they are the ones who saw you take your very first steps and speak your very first words. And now, they are seeing you walk into the first part of your life without them. They love you.

Lastly, this time will go by in the blink of an eye. Before you know it you're going to be walking across the stage in a graduation gown. Looking out into the crowd of once unfamiliar faces; now full of your friend's, sisters and brothers smiling faces. They're cheering you on as you walk and finally have that Bachelors Degree in hand. You're going to make you way back to your seat, staring at that font of your school's name, and tears are going to come. I promise. It will hit you that there will be no more midnight runs to McDonalds with your roommates, there will be no more walking to class, there will be no more of just walking down the hallway to hang out with your best friend, it's over. Just in the blink of an eye. So, my advice to you, you bright-eyed freshman; As you give your mom one last hug before you venture on your own... please don't waste these four years. Make the most amazing memories. Do not settle for mediocrity. Push yourself to new limits and most of all don't blink. It will be over before you know it.

I wish you the best kid,

A senior in College

P.S. Everyone is right about the lanyard thing. Just don't do it.