Growing up, we hear a lot about what to expect when we pack up the past 18 years of our lives to move into a minuscule 10x12-foot closet, but what we hardly ever hear about is what we should do to prepare the summer before we leave. Now don't get me wrong, the summer before you go off to college should be a care-free, no regrets, memory-filled summer, but there are a few things you should do in the meantime to help you out for the long run. So here's to all the future writers, reporters, and photographers - this one is for you.

1. Journal daily

Even if it's for five minutes, spend everyday writing. Not only can it be fun, but you get to choose what you write about and for how long. Make it a dream journal, memory journal or travel journal - it's really up to you. Just do it though, you won't regret it.

2. Research your university’s newspaper

Get an idea of the culture behind it and see if it could potentially be something that you could enjoy being a part of for the next four years. It can be a big help in creating connections for you later on.

3. Go on adventures, and write about them

Travel writing is honestly so much fun because it is completely unique to you and the adventure you go on. No two trips are the same to two different people.

4. Write without thinking for 20 minutes every day

Sometimes words are hard to come by and writer's block sucks, but being able to sit there and just write can sometimes help get the juices flowing. It's also one of the greatest ways to get yourself in the habit of writing.

5. Try out different styles of writing

Journalism is so much more than political or cultural writing. Give different styles and types of writing a try, you may find that you actually love writing about something you've never thought about before.

6. Appreciate your hometown

Whether you loved it or not, your hometown is where you came from and it will always be a part of who you are. It helped raise you and shape you. Appreciate that.

7. Take a road trip with friends, capture it in pictures first, then write about the experience just through the pictures

Pictures speak a thousand words, so why not try writing out those words not from the experiences you had, but the moments you captured on camera.

8. Talk to local newspapers, magazines or television stations

It's never too early to try and make connections for future internships or jobs. Also, you could see if the field is actually something you could see yourself in, in the future.

9. Write about what you’re passionate about

When you're passionate about something that's when it is the easiest to write. Don't just write things that you think could get you the most exposure or money, the pieces you write that you're most passionate about will, hands down, be your best pieces.

10. Be honest with yourself about what you want

Don't settle for writing pieces just because of the exposure they get you. Learn to love what you love about writing and embrace that, the rest will come naturally (well sometimes).

11. Try out different forms of media

I never knew that I would love creating podcasts or photography until I gave it a try for the first time, now here I am and I don't regret a second of it. Don't box yourself into one area because it's what you've known your whole life.

12. Start creating your portfolio

Start compiling your work now, it is a great way to show future employers or internships how you've grown and what you've been up to during, and before, college

13. Stop to appreciate the little things

Moments are meant to be appreciated, and the smallest of moments can become some of the biggest of things that you end of writing about. Don't underestimate any situation you find yourself in.

14. Take pictures of everything

Memories may last forever, but capturing the moment just gives you a way to look back and relive the moment through media. It also helps you to get a better understanding of the moments and how you were feeling in that moment.

15. Live for the present, but look towards the future

You're 17 or 18 years old, you have your entire life ahead of you. Take time to live for the moment and be a kid. The future is out there and will need to be thought about eventually. For now, live it up and have the time of your life.

The summer before going off to college can be one of the most memorable times, don't waste those three months doing nothing. Take the time to write about the moments and live in them. I mean you are going into journalism after all, writing will be something you have to do every day, so why not go ahead and start now?