Dear Class of 2020,

You are about to enter your first year of college, the beginning of four years that you will remember for the rest of your life. These four years will change you and help you grow in ways you’ve never imagined. When they are done, you will look back with pride and nostalgia.

You may be feeling a lot of emotions right now: fear, nervousness, anxiety, excitement, happiness. You might be feeling none at all: the realization that the change is coming might not have fully hit you yet. Regardless, the change is coming and with it comes a lot of challenges.

Adjusting to your new circumstances might be difficult, and for certain it will be strange. Chances are you will be dealing with new people, new types of classes, new living situations, and essentially new everything else. It’s going to be hard to get through sometimes. You may even find it so hard that you think maybe this school isn’t the right one for you. I just want you guys to know that you aren’t alone in this if you ever feel like that, and things can always get better.

When I first came to college, I felt the same way many of you probably do now: excited for the new opportunities that awaited me, but nervous about taking advantage of them, of seeing what they might hold for me. I spent hours and hours preparing for school, watching Youtube videos and reading Pinterest articles and looking up tips on being successful in school. In my heart, I was determined to make the most of my college career in as many areas as I could.

But I try to be honest always, and I must be honest now. The transition was definitely not easy for me. I’m a shy person. I always have trouble meeting people and finding solid friends immediately in new situations. My first semester was tough. I had friends, but I didn’t quite feel like I fit well with them. I was very lonely at school. I didn’t feel like I had anyone, except my amazing roommate and my friends at home four hours away.

The one thing keeping me afloat was my classes. Yes, I know how much of a nerd I sound like right now. That’s OK. I was taking courses that fueled my passions, and it was a joy to do the work for them, or, at the very least, entertaining. After class was finished and homework turned in every day, I didn’t know what to do. I even began to consider transferring schools.

As you might recall, I mentioned that I am a very shy person. I have trouble meeting people and making connections immediately in new situations. So in first semester I made some mistakes. I didn’t put myself out there when I should’ve. I didn’t join things I was interested in. I didn’t go much outside my comfort zone unless it was for class.

Second semester things changed. I joined our school’s media group as a copy editor. I tried hanging out with new people. I started actually doing things on weekends. By the time May rolled around, I was feeling pretty comfortable at school. I had met some pretty cool people. I no longer was no longer considering transferring. I was having fun.

In other words, I had a hard time, and it got better. Transitions can be difficult, but once you get past them, it’s not too bad. In fact, it’s really great. You guys are just starting out, and you can do so well. Even if things are hard at first, they will get better. And then you’ll have the time of your life.

You got this.

Sincerely,