You are not who your were in middle school. You are not who you were in high school. You are going to be whoever you want to be. This week was my orientation week for my freshman year of college and this is one of the first things my Orientation Leader said to our group. She explained that when you are young your personality is mostly affected by your parents and in high school by your peers, but now you get to decide. It is completely possible that you are exactly who you are supposed to be and you are done growing — but it’s not likely.

You may be going to a new school with no one from your country or you might be rooming with your high school best friend or you are somewhere in between. Neither of these things should impair your ability to grow as an individual. Everyone changes during college so don’t worry about whether a girl from your old high school notices that you aren't the “same person you used to be in high school”. Don't worry that if you change you won’t fit in with your high school group anymore. You are taking chances and becoming a happier you.

In the first couple weeks of school you are still putting names to faces and are more focused on how you are doing rather than what others are doing. Now is the time to try out dancing —for the first time— at your orientation dance party or turning around in line at the caf to talk to the complete strangers behind you. You may make a total fool of yourself to people who probably don't know your name or you could discover you are the life of the party and that you just met your best friend.

Many might think this is just saying get out of your shell, go talk to more people, go to a party, and join a club you normally wouldn't have. I am saying that but I’m also saying try cleaning up after yourself, teach yourself how to study, take breaks to calm yourself down, take a Zumba Class at your fitness center, and maybe take on a research program. You have so many opportunities open to you right now; don't regret not taking a chance.

This is your first time living away from home. You don't have to be or do anything you don't want to—except go to class, you should really go to class. So take advantage of this time! You may not have been on student council in high school but maybe you will be president in college. Maybe you'll be valedictorian. Maybe you'll be in a sorority or fraternity. Maybe you'll be a tutor. Maybe you'll be the person who makes people laugh. Maybe you'll be all of these things. Use this time to discover who you are meant to be. Whoever that is make sure that you are happy, healthy, and honest to yourself.