As I write my first post, I sit anxiously thinking about all the things I have due literally within the next 48 hours. I have been here for 2 weeks and I have already cried, gained 10 extra pimples, and contemplated the idea of dropping out. While this may be a little dramatic, the first few weeks stress is a real thing. Everyone says, "it'll get better" and "it's going to be so much fun", but so far it is not. It's a lot to get used to; moving out, being an adult (somewhat), and studying all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love college, but it definitely is an adjustment. All I can say to the person reading this who has not yet experienced what I am going through, keep pushing through it.

Building up to the day I would move to Mississippi State, I was filled with only excitement and just a tad bit of stress (whether my dorm would be the cutest or not). I was so ready to leave and start the next chapter of my life. I was ready to get out from under the "my house my rules" and do what I wanted to do. Although living with my friends and not having to ask for permission to do every single thing is nice, I do miss my parents. So, my advice to any upcoming freshman is call your parents!! They miss you a lot.

A big struggle I have already faced after being at Mississippi State for 2 short weeks is being away from some of my best friends. While it is great that we are all living life and growing up, 2 very large parts of my heart are many miles in the opposite direction. Facetime has been my lifesaver. The routine I have created for myself is school, eat, call mom and dad, facetime. My advice to those having to separate from those very important people in your life is to cherish the time you have now, make time for a quick, daily phone call, and look forward to the days you get to see them again.

One thing I did stress about as the days until August 11^thgot fewer and fewer was the idea of meeting new people, making lifelong friends, and really just fitting in. Although I talk a lot more than the usual person and can basically talk to a brick wall, I still get worried that people will think I am weird or not like the quirks and personality traits that make me who I am. I know this sounds dumb, but I also know that this is a struggle many people have. I completely understand the anxious feelings you have about this, but my advice is to BE YOU! Every single person has their own unique traits and imperfections; therefore, we are all in the same boat. So, embrace the crazy and find those people who love to embrace it with you!

College has been full of so many fun experiences, emotions, and trials already, and I am so excited to see what is to come over the next 4 years. Take this advice and my experiences as you want, and I pray that this will help your first 2-week adventure be the best it can. I could go on and on about advice and experiences, but there is still so much more to experience that I would love to write about so be sure to stay tuned!