Senior year, new experiences and yes, a goodbye soon to come. Packing up your belongings and moving on seems scary but also exciting. I relate to this all too well because I am a senior, attending URI in the fall, and I know it is kind of scary but I also know that there is so much out there that I need to explore. And I'm guessing that you need a little reassurance too, being that you clicked on this so here it goes.

It will all be OK.

First off, it is completely and understandably OK to be anxious, so just take a minute to breathe. Even though I am from Connecticut, a mere hour and a half away, I still do not know what living one state away from home will be like. So if you are across the country, or even just a few minutes away, it is normal to be worried. We can be anxious together sister! Just imagine all of the new friends to be made and, if you're like me and love room decor, all of the Target trips for dorm room shopping!

Take it slow.

This will be a big transition, but you have done this before. Remember how nervous you were before walking through the doors into high school, at least I know I was! So do this whole college thing, yes I know I called it a thing, in baby steps. Go on the Facebook page and post a paragraph about yourself, talk to those attending in the fall, maybe you will even meet someone from one town over like I did, just start making yourself feel more at home in the place you will be calling home the next four years or so.

Remind yourself of all the exciting things, this way it doesn't seem as scary.

Make a Pinterest board of dorm room decoration ideas, write down all the clubs/organizations you want to join, talk to your friends about visiting one another during the year, etc. Focus on the good so you don't dwell on what could make you nervous. Have fun with what your future could hold and don't hold yourself back from all the opportunities at your fingertips.

Make a bucket list of all the things to do your summer before leaving, this way you have no regrets, and some amazing stories.

Road trip with your besties? Check. Spending countless hours at the beach? Check. Going up to your state's amusement park and riding all the rollercoasters? Duh! Count me in. The summer before you leave for college is THE summer to remember, so live it up, I know my besties and I will be.

And finally, get ready to have the best time ever!

So many of my friends who are in college this year have been such a help during this time. They have gone through the college experience themselves and know it is a big change, but they also tell me how much they love it. So just go into it with the right mindset and you will be fine.

Hopefully this made you feel even a tiny bit better about your next journey, and I will be going on it with you! I can't wait and I hope you can't either, I know we will be just great.