Dear incoming freshman,

You are probably feeling a lot of different emotions right now. Scared, excited, ready, and also sad. All of this feelings are normal to have, especially all at the same time.

It's a strange experience, leaving home for the "big world." But, it is such a wonderful one, and I want you to know how to make these years the best of your life.

Academics come first. I know that this is not the typical student to student advice, but it is very real. You are in college to further your education, and you shouldn't waste the tens of thousands of dollars you are spending on tuition. However, there are moments when you are ahead, or fully prepped, or are confident about a class exam or project and when that happens, go out with your friends.

Be prepared to not only focus in school work. It is crucial, but the memories you will make at 3 am with your roommate will be what you remember most. Not the 92 you got on a speech.

Say yes. Say yes to going on random road trips, camping, traveling anywhere. If an opportunity presents itself, go. You will find your best friends through adventures that take you out of the stress of school.

Say yes to going out. Go out to dinner, go to the social event, and go to the fairs. You cannot be afraid to meet people. It will make for a lonely and hard four years.

My freshman year, I struggled to say yes to things. I struggled to be adventurous and try things outside of my comfort zone. I'm encouraging you to do the opposite. Go on the adventure, and cherish the people you have at this stage in life.

Before you know it, your friends are going to be getting married, moving all over the country for jobs, and the time you thought would last forever is just ending in the blink of an eye.

You will feel like you can conquer the world during your freshman year of college. Never lose that spirit. You can.

Do hard things. Go on the adventures. Study hard. Don't let time pass you by like it did the rest of us, seniors.

Sincerely,

A graduating Senior