Every day in high school, we told ourselves how different college will be and how amazing it will be because we have so many opportunities. And that is the absolute truth. You have so many opportunities regarding academics, social life, and everything in between, so my advice to you would be to take full advantage of it.

You are finally growing up and becoming more independent and chances are that you want a little more change in your life. Maybe you made a goal in your head to become more confident and social, or to network and work harder in your classes. Going to college is such a drastic change in life that we want to change so many different aspects of our lives as well. And college is the perfect place to do just that. You are going to meet so many new people, take so many cool classes, and experience so many things that you would never have imagined yourself doing. It is your chance to take control of your life in every aspect and aim high in any way that you want.

A lot of people going to state schools (such as Rutgers) tend to come into college along with a lot of their high school friends. They stick to them in the beginning because of the unfamiliarity of everything as well as the fear of not making friends at first. But a lot of people tend to stick to this group of friends and close themselves off to meeting new people because they claim they are content in the group they are in. Staying friends with people from your high school is perfectly OK, but you should also be open to new people and new experiences. College is your chance to grow as a person and launch yourself into the adult world, and having some new company is an easy way to do just that.

Regarding the academic and professional aspect of college, take advantage of all the resources given to you. Go to career fairs even if you consider yourself a shy person. By taking baby steps, you will be able to accomplish big things. So go to those career fairs and talk to professional companies. Go to classes that are a bit new or even challenging and push yourself.

My biggest advice to anyone starting college or in college right now would be: to take advantage of this "new land of opportunity." New faces, new classes, new responsibilities, new living situations, and more. At the end of your college career, you will look back in awe at how much you accomplished and how much you changed. You put in the effort and were able to become the person you are today, only by taking opportunities that were given to you. College is a great time for change and experience, so take full advantage.