Hello to all the college fishies as you head off to start a new chapter in your life!

The day is finally here!

You get to leave your past behind you and start anew with this step. You can change into whoever you want to be and explore what you (think) you want to do with your life. As many of you know, this step can be nerve-wracking and scary. Jut remember the possibilities are only as limited as your imagination.

Abilene from "The Help" tells her charge, "You is kind. You is smart. You is important."

This should become your new life motto as you enter college. Not that college is supposed to be about knocking you down, but it does teach you a few lessons about how to get back up if you know what I mean. College is hard. There's no way around it. You have to be able to teach yourself how to deal with the consequences of your actions. You also have to learn that you are the maker of your life, not your peers, teachers, or anyone else you meet.

One tip for move-in day is the sole piece of advice I would give to anyone.

Your parents are the key to your move-in day.

Chances are they have already been through this experience, and if you've had older siblings go to college chances are they know their way around a dorm. Let them help you. They know exactly where to put that storage box when you do not. Also, remember it is also their day. They raised you to become the person you are and now they have to leave you on your own. They want to enjoy their time helping you just as much as you want to enjoy being helped (and trust me you'll need it). So, remember to let your parents in on all the move-in activities and it will go smoother and faster than you could dream.

While having a boyfriend your first year of college can be great, remember you came to college to learn about math, science, and all the other classes you're paying $10,000 or more a year for. If you came to college to get a boyfriend, you may want to rethink your time on campus.

If you do have a boyfriend, remember your first priority is school.

While you want to have fun, getting good grades to finish college is just as important as having a good relationship.

Having a good relationship with God is also important in college.

College is a time for learning about yourself as well as the outside world. With this said, it becomes a whole lot easier to loosen your grip on your spirituality. I can also a test that going to a Christian university does not make this any easier. Sometimes, it can actually worsen the problem when you're forced to go to chapel every weekday. Going to church is only one way to combat this problem. It is also important to pray and read your Bible. God works in mysterious ways and he may actually surprise you during your year as a freshman.

Don't forget, you are worth more than your G.P.A.

Everyone makes mistakes. You cannot expect yourself to be able to function at full speed all the time. Take a break and have some fun. On the other hand, don't do nothing and then expect an A. Work hard to accomplish what you want and believe in yourself while having a bit of relaxation

So, work hard and have faith. Your first year at college is always amazing! You get to meet new people and learn interesting things. You can finally take classes in subjects you are actually interested in (which is one of the best parts). You can also join some cool clubs that your high school didn't offer. College is a time to grow, but you have to remember to be yourself and don't let anything get in your way. So go forth and have a good year!