I had a sentimental moment the other day driving home from LSU. After a long day of packing and an even longer drive home, I came to terms with the idea that I had successfully completed a year of college. This is something that still feels so weird to me because I still see myself as a nerdy high school freshman, no where near ready for the real world.

All throughout high school, there was so much pressure about college. Getting in, making friends, and all the good times and excitement that came with finally being out in the world, all made the idea of college seem so far away and almost unreachable, like our young high school minds could not possibly grasp how amazing college would really be. However, here I was, driving home reminiscing on the past year, on the awesome times and thinking about where I was a year ago, excited but also extremely nervous because I had no idea what to expect.

We all heard the crazy stories and saw the plethora of pictures from older kids, but I really had no idea what waited for me in the next year. And while all I wanted to do was go and start the college experience. I wish I would have just stopped and enjoyed the little time I had left at home. The summer before college is such an important time, and I wish someone would have told me some things to remember before it flew by.

Luckily for you dear readers, I am doing just that.

Explore your hometown.

I wish I had done this so much more. Living in Houston, there is so much to do and see, and I really never took advantage of that great quality. I was so ready to move away to a new place, that I completely took for granted the one that had been my home my whole life. After being away for so long, you realize how significant your hometown truly is, and the importance of really experiencing the city. Needless to say this summer, I will be doing a lot more exploring!

Cherish time at home.

I know I just said go out and explore, but spending some time at home is just as important! I felt so busy in my last summer at home with getting ready for the move and also trying to see everyone before I left, that I feel like I really didn’t have a change to just relax at home. I wish I had just been lazy some days, laid in my comfy (not lofted or dorm mattress having) bed, played with my cats or just hung out with my family. I took for granted those little aspects of my everyday life, and did not realize how truly important they were until I was a state away.

Love on your friends.

Going to college is one of the biggest tests in friendship. Of course we are all excited about going away and meeting new people, but really focus on cherishing your old friends while you are still at home. I always heard people say that they couldn’t wait to “get out of this town and meet new people” but why? Your friends have been with you throughout high school, maybe longer, and it is so important to spend time with them while you can! I missed my friends more than just about anything after I left, and the busy college life makes keeping in touch more difficult that I originally thought. Not seeing their faces everyday was so tough, so be sure to show them some extra love before you go. Take pictures and make memories that you can look back on and laugh about when you are stressed and just want your simple high school life back for a moment.

Do not stress.

Most importantly, don’t stress! I was so beyond nervous when going to college, I worried about every little thing that could go wrong and really imagined the worst for myself. While I was still so excited to go, I always questioned my decision, and wondered if everything would be as amazing as everyone made college out to be. I wish someone would have assured me that everything was going to be okay, and that the year I had in store for me was one of the best of my life. College is such an incredible time for so many reasons, and getting through a year makes me realize even more that I should take it all in and really enjoy it.

So high school graduates, congratulations! Get excited for the great adventure that is college, but don’t forget the place, people, and memories that made the last four years of your life pretty great too.