Coming into college, I was terrified. There were so many new challenges and experiences awaiting me, but I was scared. I still remember thinking to myself, "I don't know if college is actually for me." There were so many expectations placed on me that I didn't know if I could live up to them. However, I can honestly say that college has been the best time of my life so far, and this is what I wish I could have said to myself on that scary first day.

Dear Self,

I know you're scared to pack up your car and leave everything behind to move to a completely new place. I know you're scared to take college classes because you think they are going to be too hard for you to handle. I know you're afraid you won't make new friends or have any fun times. I know you don't think you'll succeed, and you think you won't live up to the expectations others have placed on you.

Stop.

Stop worrying so much. Everything is going to work out. I want you to know that you are going to love living in this new place. There is so much to do and so many more experiences for you to have here than back home. You will have so many late nights because you are out doing different things.

Your classes aren't as hard as you are making them out to be. Sure there will be challenging times during your freshman year and it may feel overwhelming at times, but you just have to keep pushing. Your grades are going to be fine if you just keep doing what you've always done: Try your hardest and give it everything you've got. You are actually going to end up loving all of your classes even though you weren't sure of your major going in.

You are going to make so many new friends through different activities and through your classes. Some of these friendships are going to become your best friends and future roommates. You are going to go out at one in the morning to eat, go to barn dances and play the sport you love with your best friends. You worry about making friends because you're shy, but you honestly have nothing to worry about when it comes to making friends. Just be yourself and they will love and accept you for who you are no matter what.

You don't think you are going to be successful, but that could not be further from the truth. You are going to win scholarships, you are going to win different awards and you are even going to land a job that relates to your major that you totally love! Success is what you make it, you just need to find it.

Make the most of your freshman year because it goes by so fast. It's so crazy that I am writing this with only two weeks of my first year left. You have so many experiences and opportunities for growth. Don't think your year will be without mistakes because they will most definitely happen. If you learn from those mistakes and don't worry so much, your life ahead of you is going to one heck of a great ride.

You're on the right path -- just keep doing you!

Love,

The person you will become