As the end of my sophomore year of college rolls around way faster than I thought it would, it seems to be a time of realizations. It dawned on me you can't control what happens in your life, but you can keep your positivity. It's easy to fault and stumble, especially with all that college has to offer. Each day seems to be a new opportunity for failure, or success. My brother is graduating from high school this May and it really made me start to think about what advice I would want to give to my freshman self.
1. Freshman year it all about figuring out what works and what you need to do in order to be on the path to success. Take time to figure this out.
2. College is a whole new world of learning what independence is. Love it or hate it, allow yourself to fully grasp this newfound freedom.
3. Balance is a word you won't fully understand until you are in college. Life entails many positive aspects, as well as the negative ones. It's those moments when life drags you down when you need someone or something to raise you up. Figure out what this is.
4. You will be a tiny fish in an extremely large pond. Put yourself out there and join a group on campus to make this giant sea of people, just a little smaller.
5. Keep in close contact with your family. Never underestimate the comfort of calling your parents or a sibling for advice. After all they are your biggest cheerleaders. 
6. It can be easy to feel alone, but thats okay! Go for a walk by yourself and explore your mind, being alone can help you figure out more about yourself.
7. Try and figure out your major as soon as possible, but at the same time, don't stress when people tell you you'll be in college until your 30 if you walk in without knowing.
8. If there is any time it is appropriate to be selfish, college would be it. Do what you want to do and fully take charge of your own life.
9. Go to class, do your work and don't procrastinate. One, because college is damn expensive, but two, because you should and it's why you're here. Education is important.
10. Live it up, but keep in mind college is a long distance run, not a sprint. You have four years here, if you want to stay in, watch Netflix and eat food , then do that. There will always be another party.
College is the best of times and the worst of times, but enjoy the good times to the fullest and embrace the hard times with a positive mindset. No amount of parenting will prepare you for everything college wise, but that's what it is there for, to teach you what your parents cannot. Learning on your own is an important aspect of growing up and each individual comes out the other side of college with a more well rounded perspective on life.
