Dear Bryana,

It's me again, the end-of-the-year, freshman you. I just wanted to take the time to write out this letter as a self-reflection of this year and encouragement for the next awesome year at Longwood University. So, here it goes...

Everyone said college would go by super quick, but I think we underestimated just how quick each year would pass. That being said, don't take this next year for granted. If you're honest with yourself, you sometimes tend to miss the small moments.

Also, don't take the people God placed around you for granted. They each serve a MEGA special place in your life, and I'd hate to see those relationships go unappreciated because you're too focused on small things that shouldn't matter.

Going along with the relationships you've made, both past and future, don't let people push your buttons so easily. It takes away more of your joy and strength than it does theirs, so just shake it off, like T-Swift would say!

Don't be afraid to take breaks from the stress of schoolwork or your social life every once and a while. Taking a personal day to relax doesn't equate to your worth or strength level at all - and don't ever let yourself believe the lie that it does.

Also, keep Christ first in everything you do. Especially before schoolwork or earthly success, because we both know Christ is the only reason you have the life you do anyways. He deserves more than you're sometimes willing to give Him, but trust that He's worth it every time, even if you're tired or stressed out or upset.

Keep your family in mind as you go through each week on campus. Visit them for special occasions and sometimes just to surprise them. They are a major reason why you're there in the first place, so send that text to remind them how much you love them or call them before you go to bed once in a while to say goodnight.

We both know you do better when you plan ahead, so don't get lazy. If you can get something done early, take advantage of that. Plan out papers and presentations, give time to the special people in your life, take time to yourself, and rock this next year.

Love God. Love others. Love yourself. In that order. Be the servant that God chose you to be and you'll go farther than you ever imagined. Bumps in the road are expected, but you choose how you react. So, when hiccups occur: get up, dust yourself off, and jump into the great college career you've got going!

I believe in you!

Sincerely,

The freshman version of you.