Here at Odyssey, we have a great team of students who have had some of the best experiences of their lives at UNC-Charlotte. We all come from different backgrounds, different locations, and are different ages. We all have different majors and are entirely different people -- regardless of all of this, what we have in common is that we are all Niners and proud. There are few who have better, truer experiences revolving around UNC-Charlotte. So, we asked our writers, What is something you would like to tell to all Future 49ers? What do you wish someone would have told you entering UNC-Charlotte?

Go for it. Just go for it. Take as many photos and videos as you can. Live as much as you can, because it goes by quick. -- Ratha David Loun

To get involved early! Join a club, play an intramural sport, go Greek, or get involved in student government. -- Brooke Soldo

I would have loved for someone to tell me that transition is temporary, but the experiences and memories last a lifetime. I struggled with moving to a new city, nine hours away from anyone I knew and had so much anxiety my first semester that I missed out on experiencing the Charlotte area as much as I would've liked. But now I know that life moves forward even if you aren't ready, and the best part about it is enjoying the transition and newness and unfamiliar faces, because it's all temporary. I wish I hadn't been so frustrated with the temporary transition that I couldn't appreciate the experience of it. -- Cara DeLoach

My advice to future Niners is to get involved in as much as you can handle and to not worry when your classes seem impossible. Use the resources available to you for everything -- the writing center is amazing for paper help and the counseling center is a godsend when you're struggling with anything. Also, the Freshman Fifteen is real and nothing worth being upset over. Your body is that of an adult and it's going to change a little. There's a million fitness classes to join if you're really that worried about it. And it's normal to have a breakdown over schoolwork. College is supposed to push you to your limits so that you can handle the real world later. Just let loose and get your homework done as early as possible so you don't have to stress last minute when plans pop up. Seriously. -- Em Boening

Whatever you do, do it all the way. Find something you like and go all in. Whether this means one class, one internship, or one club, do it. If it ends up being something you don't like, then stop. But, there's a good chance it could turn into the most important decision of your life. -- Briona Kiser

When registering for classes, be prepared! You won't get your dream schedule, and you'll have to switch things around. Just try not to get too frustrated! It'll all work out in the end. -- Anna Combs

Don't be scared of joining clubs if you don't know people in them. It's a great way to build your resume, establish connections, and meet new people. I wish someone would have told me that there are opportunities for friendship everywhere, you just have to be willing to see them. One of my favorite things about UNC-Charlotte is exactly this- there is no stereotype for the students here; there are all kinds of people everywhere! -- Susanna Parkhill

If you're living on campus, try your best to establish a great relationship with your roommates and other people on your hall! They will be great friends throughout the year and it's hard to go through college, especially your first year, without people by your side that are experiencing these "firsts" along with you. -- Taylor Medford

Don't be afraid to change majors. Take classes and explore what's out there. What you thought you were going to do with the rest of your life might change with one class, one person, one sentence spoken. I wish someone would have told me that things would change and evolve as much as they did. I probably wouldn't have listened, because when you start college you think you know how things will turn out. But you don't really. -- Kayla Yarborough 

Go into college with an open mind and open heart when it comes to your passions. You will probably change majors, perhaps several times. I've seen too many people pressured into majors that they don't like or don't see themselves in for the long run, just because it's what they're expected to do. Of course, listen to wise people who you trust. But at the end of the day, it's your decision and you're the only one who has to live with the consequences. I'm an English major and I get a range of looks when people ask what I'm studying. I'm so thankful that my parents have encouraged me and talked with me countless times about all of the practical things I can do with an English degree (it's surprising how many there are!). But if you don't have that kind of support, don't give up. This might sound cliche, but follow your dreams! As Henry David Thoreau wrote, 'Live the life you've imagined.' -- Rachel West