Dear Freshman,

Congratulations! You've finally graduated from high school, and it's time to put that time in your life behind you. Welcome to your new independence. You're on your own.

And because of all of this, you're probably terrified. College is scary, almost as scary as being a freshman in college, I get it. But you're going to be okay. You're going to make it, and you're going to have the best four years of your life. (And it's way better than high school, believe me).

Balancing everything will be hard at first. You're going to make new friends; and homework, classes and time management will probably make you a regular at the local coffee shop. But you'll get used to the new routine, and you'll find your place.

Just please, don't let yourself get so overwhelmed that you're staying in your room and not going to class. Because believe me, skipping class is worse than going. Skipping just leads to more stress in the long run, and you'll feel even more behind than when you started. So please, just wake up and go. Trust me on that.

And while we're talking about stress, also know that it's okay to be overwhelmed and get homesick! For many, it's your first time away from home, so missing home is completely normal! This is your first taste of adult life, it's all under your control. You'll get used to it.

So just stay true to yourself, get involved, make friends, and do everything in your power to stay positive! The rest will fall into place on it's own! And be sure to slow down, breathe, and take it all in. Believe me when I tell you college will be over before you know it, and you'll be entering your last fall semester reflecting on the last three years, make it something good to look back on.

In a few years, while you're looking for jobs and paying bills, you'll be wishing you were back in your freshman year, just take it in and enjoy it. You'll be okay.

Sincerely,

A College Senior