Dear Wolf Pack Joci,

If you’re anything like me, you’ll sob when you leave the house. You’ll pack your things into the car with some reserve because (let’s be honest) you’re terrified, but you also know this is probably the best adventure you’ll ever embark on. You’ll say goodbye to the dog like you’re never going to see her again. Then, three years later, you’ll look back on it and realize you looked exactly like Kim Kardashian when she has a meltdown.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll sit in the back seat of the car, put sunglasses on so nobody can tell you’re tearing up, and purposely select the most sorrowful song you can think of, just to get it out of your system. (#dramatic)

If you’re anything like me, you’ll pull up to your dorm, start unloading the car, and a sudden burst of sass will overcome you when mom asks you a simple question. You’ll feel annoyed with her, but three years later you might realize that it was your way of dealing with all the stress.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll make it to your room, and suddenly feel so much excitement. You’ll start to unpack your bedding and then mom will try and take over. Then you might realize that that’s her way of dealing with everything and just let her do her thing. Dad will pull you outside into the hallway and maybe slip you a $20 bill and say something like, “don’t forget why you’re here.” Your classes will be the last thing on your mind, but you’ll assure him you’ll never forget it. You might go get some lunch (all I can say is cherish it, because dorm food, here you come!) and see other students eating with their parents, but not realize that they’re feeling the same exact way as you.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll fight your tears with a smile when mom and dad leave because you don’t want them to worry about you. You’ll hug them tight and watch mom try not to cry. They will go home and call you when they get there.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll get invited to some party and not go because you’re too overwhelmed.

But the good news is that you’re not like me in these situations. You’ll probably cry on your way out of the house, probably get sassy with mom, and probably realize what’s actually happening as you unpack. But I know you’re going to be so excited when they leave, not because you won’t miss them, but because you’re such a social butterfly. You will definitely go to that party, because you’ll try to meet new people to get your mind off of everything—it’s just what you do, Ja.

So, it’s a good thing you’re different than me, because I wouldn’t be able to learn anything from someone who is just like me. Thanks for all you’ve unintentionally taught me. I know you’re going to be just fine. Do me a favor and call me when you’re having a bad day, not mom or dad (unless it’s financial, because sorry, I’m a college student too). Call mom and dad for the good things, and call them as often as you can. Maybe even send a text to the little bro with an extremely stupid or inappropriate joke, because he likes those kind of things.

You’ll have the best college experience in the world, made up of dumb choices, late nights, procrastinating, the best friendships, and overall happiness. I hope you’ll be like me in this way.

My most important piece of advice for you is simply to do what makes you happy. Go challenge yourself and do things outside of your comfort zone. I hope you get all the things you hope for out of college, but I also hope you find empowerment out of loving yourself.

I’m not going to tell you what you should and shouldn’t do—that’s up to you now. Understand you’ll make mistakes, but always try your hardest to remind yourself that it’s going to be OK. If you can’t, call me. The probability of me answering right away is slim, but I’ll always call you back and provide you with a passionate rant about how to handle your situation, because it’s just what I do, Ja.

“You know you love me, XOXO.” GG.

Love, Your Wildcat Sister,

Samantha