Hi Class of 2015,

First off, congratulations! You’ve survived High School. If you’re anything like me, I’m sure your response is, "so what? So did everyone else.” According to the United States Department of Education’s National Center of Education Statistics, 2012-13 (the year I graduated High School), the nation’s high graduation rate was 81%. Yes, you achieved something, although it may seem anticlimactic. A lot of your classmates will attend some higher educational institution, some may enlist in our armed forces, and some may join the work force. We are very fortunate in our country to have a choice in our next steps.

I took the university path, which for me was the right choice, so that’s what I’m going to focus on. I thought I knew what I wanted to study, rigidly listening to my plan and ignoring years of wisdom, experience and advice pointing to the contrary; eventually I loosened up and took classes that I actually liked. I always liked to learn and explore, and the prescribed high school curriculum reduced that. Do and take what you want, and try everything, especially things that you haven’t tried before. Taking Linguistics and Sociology classes totally changed my thought processes and writing style for the better. You never know what your passion is unless you try. P.S. Don’t let any outside influences affect your choices. The consequences hurt you more than anyone else.

College is more than an education. The Student Activities Fair my freshmen year was literally like living out Pitch Perfect, and I was Beca who could barely find anything I liked. Keep an open mind- I used to think I was a terrible writing and now I write for two online publications. Take information sheets for everything, sign up for emails and Listservs, and keep an open mind. Greek Life may or may not be for you, but talk to the sorority or fraternity members. It’s a lot more than parties and clothes. Joining my sorority is the best decision I made in college, but that’s just me. My parents were so proud when I told them I was getting involved in my religious community, an idea that I abhorred in high school. Try it for no other reason than when you get sick of dining hall food your parents will be so happy that they’ll give you money for a real meal (Chipotle anyone?), and you may end up enjoying it or at least have a good meal.

College is probably the first time you’re living on your own for the first time in your life. Everything is now your choice. Classes (which ones? Whether or not to go?), food, sleep, etc is now all on you. The Freshmen 15 is real, so eat well and work out and yes you’ll still probably gain weight sorry. For one of the first times, you’ll have to make new friends- not just friends you’ve known since kindergarten or out of local convenience. Make friends with values like yours. Give everyone a chance. You’ll make lots of friends initially, probably lose some, and hopefully a few will last a lifetime.

Going out is an integral part of college. Do go out and have fun, but not every night this is still school; don’t get a bad reputation immediately, you’re only a freshman one out of four years and if you want to stay at your school don’t be “that girl,” because you’ll never escape it. Obviously you’ll make mistakes and embarrass yourself, I seem to be amazing at that, pick yourself up and get on with life. My going out motto is go hard or go home. Some nights will be amazing; some will suck-it’s a fact of life. Make friends with bouncers at bars and clubs or door guys at frats. Shout out to Rick, Mason, Romero, and Pete at Maggie’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill; thank you for basically making my social life. You won’t regret it, believe me waiting on line to get into a bar at 1:30am when you’re dressed for July and it’s February is not fun and bouncers will escort you right on in to the warmth (and you’ll impress everyone-trust me).

All in all, this is a wonderful time in your lives. Take advantage of everything coming your way. For now, enjoy your summer. Relax. Go buy everything at Bed, Bath and Beyond and The Container Store (you need more than you think; go to their special college nights-major discounts). Hang out with your friends from home. I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

A Former Freshman/High School Grad 2013