The future is the scariest, yet most exciting thing to think about. Being a big girl now in college and having everyone talk about their future around you, this starts to force yourself to really think about it too. What if you don't want to think about it too much? People stress themselves out every day over events in the future that might not even happen. Taking life day by day can be so much more fulfilling. Most of the time the best experiences and opportunists happen unexpectedly; embrace the unexpected, even if it is not what you had planned on.

"Where do you see yourself in five years?" The question that seems so simple to a majority of people, but to others, it causes a hurricane in their head. Many people have strict five year plans and know exactly who they want to be, where they want to live, and if they want a family, and seem to have it all figured out. Then you have other people, who can't even figure out what they're eating for breakfast the next day. Life is so wonderful and exciting that not following a plan can lead you to some of the best adventures of your life. Don't let your family or advisor intimidate you too much about not having your life figured out perfectly. Go with the flow.

Now, if there's anything I suggest planning to do in the next five years, it'd be these:

1. Travel.

Please don’t ever think there isn’t more to offer you outside of your town or state. Some people think they need to stay in the place they grew up, but that’s not where new experiences are made. Take a road trip with your best friends, or lover. Go anywhere! Just never stop exploring what could be out there for you. The possibilities are endless.

2. Work hard.

It’s going to take some time before you find what you’re passionate about. But, when you do, don’t ever give up on it. Work for it. You will not regret all of those all-nighters and tears when you are where you want to be. It’s okay if it takes longer for you to figure out your passion; not everyone is on the same life schedule.

3. Meet new people.

Every person you meet affects you. Step out of your comfort zone with your friends you’ve known forever. You may come across someone who helps you realize your potential. Everyone you meet has a different view on life, and learning about them helps you grow as a person.

4. Be kind.

Nothing good comes out of being rude to others. It is extremely simple to turn someone's day around instead of bringing it down. Everyone has something going on, even the happiest person you know. Treat others as you would want to be treated.

5. Love yourself.

I cannot stress this enough. Be enough for yourself. Do good for yourself. It takes time, and it’s hard. But when you finally accept yourself for the way you are, everything will fall into place. It will all work out, even if it seems like everything is falling apart. In the next five years, I hope you learn to love yourself.