High school is coming to an end and you’re about to go on one of life’s greatest journeys: college. I remember being your age and thinking college was such a far away concept when in reality it was only a few months away. I remember being way younger than you are and crying myself to sleep at the thought of college. Now, I’m two years into this thing and I can honestly say these have been the greatest two years of my life.

See, right now you’re in this frustrating stage where you actually have to pick what college you’re going to go to. It’s annoying isn’t it? I remember having one specific school in mind and I was so dead-set on going there, and I didn’t get in. It made no sense at all. I had to watch all of these kids from school get their acceptance letters to that university and it was the worst. I hated that time of my life because I couldn’t understand why this school was letting in everyone except me. I ended up going to a school that I didn’t even want to apply for and it ended up being the best decision of my life. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Don’t go into this with high expectations, they never seem to actually work out. Go into this journey with an open mind and know that wherever you decide to go will be great.

I promise it all gets better after this. Once you actually pick a school it’s all going to be a breeze. Honestly the hardest part will probably be trying to decide what to take with you and what to leave at home. Oh and the first night in the dorm, that is the absolute worst I will not lie to you. I sobbed the whole night and I only go to school 45 minutes away from home. Anyway, after you decide on a school everything will be great and all of the stress from deciding will be worth it.

Don’t let the pressure of others force you to decide. If your options don’t feel right then take some time to figure out where you want to be and take the steps needed to get there. If you’re between a couple of really great schools then pray about it, God is going to get you where you need to be. Don’t put all of this pressure on yourself, just give it to Him and He’ll lead you. Also, make a pro and con list of your options. Figure out what you really like and what you really don’t like. Taking the time to think and write it all out will help a lot when it comes time for you to make a final decision.

When you get to school you’re going to meet a ton of new people. Don’t let their personalities alter yours. I think that’s something that took me awhile to fully grasp. It’s hard to not lose yourself when so many new personalities come into your life. I started comparing myself to all of these people and tried to change my interests to match theirs just because it somehow seemed easier to make friends that way. Don’t do that. Be yourself and stay true to who you are. You have such an amazing personality; don’t lose that while you’re trying to make friends. I promise you everyone will love the real you if you’re honest and show your true heart. Also, college kids aren’t as judgey as high school kids. I don’t know why that is, or what happens in the summer before college but something has to go on because there is a distinct difference between the two. Anyway, be yourself and you’ll have no trouble making friends.

Don’t forget to make college fun. Of course you need to study and keep up a good GPA, but don’t spend all of your time behind the books. Take as many opportunities as you can. On the first week of college there will be activity fairs and things like that, go to them! I didn’t follow that advice for like my first two months and looking back I wish I had, it’s not too fun to sit in your room and do homework (watch Netflix alone) all day. Get out and experience life. Don’t let all of these new people intimidate you, I promise most of them are just as nervous as you are and some of them could end up being your best friends.

Finally, know that I’m only a phone call away. The decision process is all you, I can’t pick your college for you (although I have my preference on where I want you to go), but I can help you through everything after that. Don’t forget, this was me just a couple of years ago, I know what you’re going through. You’re about to go on such a great journey and I can’t wait to watch you go through it. Enjoy this time, it won’t last forever kid.

I love you, good luck.