Dear High School Senior Kassie,
It is almost time – you are about to achieve this “milestone” in your life and embark on this journey into the world. You are going to leave home and be independent! Exciting stuff, I know. But just wait a minute and listen up:
Stop counting down the days.
I know you are eager to get out of this tiny town and see the world, but never forget about where you came from and who helped you become who you are today. College will come soon enough, so just don’t be so quick to get out of here.
Hug your parents and your friends.
In just a few short months, you’ll be off to college and the simplicity of eating lunch with your mom or going to a movie with your best friend won’t be there anymore. Take it one day at a time, and hold onto the little things in your life. They really do add up.
Slow down and take it all in.
Swim practice and pep rallies have become such a norm to you that they are mindless tasks. But before you know it, you’ll be swimming in your last meet and attending your last football game. Go to every sporting event, join every club, go to every party, and take it all in. It’s your time to thrive.
Do not stress yourself. Everything will work out.
Listen Kassie, I know you are planning on applying to a dozen colleges. Please try not to lose yourself in the horrendous amount of essays and deadlines. You will be accepted, financial aid will come, and God will provide.
It is okay not to have everything figured out right now.
It is okay not to know your major yet, or your exact five-year plan; you will take it one class at a time. It is okay not to know anybody in your classes; you will make friends. It is okay to be afraid of this huge transition; you will find your pace. It is okay.
Don’t take yourself too seriously!
I know you feel a lot of pressure to perform -- academically, athletically and socially. But at the end of the day, college will only get tougher and things will only get harder. Take a breather and remember that you are doing everything you can and that is more than enough.
Invest time in old friendships and relationships.
It is important to keep in touch with your friends from high school, the ones that know you like the back of their hand. You will need someone to fall back on when college becomes too much to handle.
Learn when to let go.
You know those relationships, the ones you maintain out of common courtesy because you have mutual friends and you’re in the same classes, but you’re not really friends? Yeah, let those go. Let go of all the toxic relationships that are the source of your petty high school drama and do nothing but consume your time. As Elsa infamously said in "Frozen," "Let it go."
Last but not least, believe in yourself.
Not everyone in this world will be your biggest fan. Quite frankly, there might even be people who tell you that you aren’t good enough or smart enough or pretty enough. Remember who you are, and remember that you are capable of things far beyond imagination. Take a deep breath, and believe in the wonder that you are.
Now go get ‘em tiger. Or should I say sic’em bears? Go out there and conquer the world. You’ve got this.
Love,
College Sophomore You
