I've tried to write this letter quite a few times, but I can't really find the right words to say. I think that it's important to write it though, not even just for me. As a junior in college (which is insane, honestly), there are a few things that I would like to put into the void, so to speak. I want to ask some things of my junior year, that some people may also be asking as well.

To junior year,

I'm not sure what to expect with you. I always imagined traveling abroad, still being in my sorority, and continuing to get the stellar grades that I've managed to get over the last two years (and a lot of other things, of course). I thought that the summer would lead to me being able to accomplish all of these things, but then I didn't get a job. The beginning of the summer brought anxiety and worry, even about the great things that I was doing. My many attempts at getting a job failed, and I had to make the choice to drop my sorority and put off going abroad for another year. I traveled alone for the first time and, while it was an amazing trip, I now have memories that I can't think a lot about right now.

While the summer was difficult when it wasn't amazing, there are some good things coming up this year. I've been able to add some more community members for Queens' Odyssey team I'm a Style Guru for College Fashionista , there's always a chance of being invited to join an honor society, and I've been able to have another year in college.

Regardless of all the amazing things that I'm sure are coming my way, I have a few things to ask of you, junior year.

Let this be a year that I grow in my faith.

Being a young adult and in college is hard enough, but there is always self-doubt and that self-doubt leads to doubting everything else. I don't want to spend the entire year doubting everything. I want to be confident and faithful in my daily endeavors and with God. I know it won't always be easy, but we all need something that consistent in our lives.

Let this be a year that I stop caring about who I have to hang out with, and learn to be OK with being on my own.

I've always been independent, but when you're on your own and in college things are harder. You start counting the days that you spend going right back to your room instead of spending time with people. You count the days you eat alone in the cafeteria instead of eating with a few friends. You find that you don't want to be on your own--whether that's because of what someone will think, or because you're so enveloped in your own thoughts that you can't handle it. It's OK to not hang out with other people. It's OK to do things own your own.

Let this be a year of learning and opportunity.

Who doesn't love a good opportunity that gets tossed into their lap? I want this year to be one of endless opportunities. This may be a little harder since I no longer have the networking options I did last year, but there are always things to do and people to meet. I want to learn this year, and as a result of that, I want to reach these opportunities waiting for me.

And, finally, let this be a year of growth.

All of the things I have listed lead to this being a year of growth. That being said, I think it is important to write this out as well. Junior year, please help me grow. Help me to become more confident and more aware of things. Help me to help those in need and those who aren't as privileged as I am. Help me become a better me.