Dear Sarah,

It's crazy to believe that when you read this you will be done with college. How did the time go by so fast? It's like I wrote this yesterday when, in reality, I wrote this the night before I left. I hope move-in all four years was easy because as fun as packing is for you, it's stressful. Hopefully, everything went well with your suite and roommates and you had some good times. Perhaps you became friends with them and other friends got to become roommates. If you got the top bunk, hopefully you didn't fall off and you slept like a baby.

I hope you learned a lot and not only proved yourself wrong but everyone that doubted you, as well. That you ended up doing well in Chemistry and any class that was hard. Yes, you needed help, and you may have felt like giving up, but guess what? You didn't give up and you never will. I hope you loved some classes and the professors were good; perhaps one gave you a reference that helped you. If not, that's okay, but I'm sure there were some lectures or speakers you loved. It must have been cool hearing Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer and perhaps getting to meet her.

Okay, now I'm going to talk about the huge elephant in the room. Whether you got into the nursing program or not. If you haven't got in, that's okay, maybe you found something better. If you did, that's honestly amazing, even though you're probably nervous about the NCLEX-RN. I'm sure you'll be okay; after all, you are hardworking. If you did it, passed, and got a job, then great.

To be honest, writing about some of these things as an 18-year-old is crazy. Not being in school and marriage possibly happening soon is unreal. Just remember to have compassion and patience. After all, those patients are going to be going through a lot of stress. They won't be mad at you but at the situation that's happening to them or their loved ones.

I'm praying you had your first kiss and got a boyfriend. Perhaps you're still together or with a new guy. Maybe you broke up and are waiting for a bit. Whatever it is, know you have or you will find your soulmate. At the time I'm writing this, having friends and a boyfriend is exciting for someone that's been single all her life. Just be safe and make good choices, but whatever you do, don't regret it. That goes with anything you do, including parties, staying up late, or going too far.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the good and get through the bad times with the friends that you make. I'm sure you'll make friendships that will last a lifetime. It would be cool if you still kept in touch with the people you met at overnight orientation.

Anyway, I got to get some sleep, as I am flying to my future tomorrow. Best of luck.

Sarah