As finals grow closer by the day and I approach the halfway point of my sophomore year in college, the reality and uncertainty of my future become more and more apparent. While so many of my peers seem to have a clear idea of what they want to do, I am still sitting here questioning what I’m working towards. I know my interests and have a general idea of the field I want to go into, but not necessarily a clear, specific goal in mind. I’m already stressing about doing a senior year honor’s thesis, and the possibility of going to grad school, and finding a job after I graduate…the list goes on and on.

But then I realized how far away that all is – and that I have a tendency to get worked up about things so far in the future that it doesn’t pay to worry about them right now. While being a nineteen-year-old college student surely does not make me the wisest person in the world, it definitely gives me the perspective needed to look back and think about the words of advice I would’ve liked to hear at various crucial stages of my life.

Pre-school and elementary school: I figured I’d start at the beginning, but, to be completely honest, I don’t really remember this time in my life all that well, particularly the early years. It was a looooong time ago. But my advice? Enjoy this time of little to no responsibility, no worries, and endless fun. This is an exciting, open time in your life in which there is little drama and ample room to begin to find your interests.

Middle school: First things first – I promise you’ll grow out of the awkward stage. It might seem like it will last forever, but it won’t. The braces will come off eventually, too. These years are fun and simple; enjoy the little things, like getting to go get Starbucks with your friends without adult supervision and having minimal friend drama. Appreciate these things now, as soon life will get confusing and you won’t have as much time to sit back and enjoy yourself. And don’t buy too many dresses to wear to bar and bat mitzvahs – those trends will go out of style faster than you can believe.

Early high school: Those first two years are a little intense, but definitely exciting. You’re finally growing up and gaining new responsibility. While your workload is definitely increasing, it’s still manageable, and you still have time to hang out with your friends, relax, and enjoy yourself while marveling in the thrill of newfound freedoms. Get some rest these two years, especially sophomore year, because next year isn’t quite as fun. Also, speaking from personal experience, try to stay away from coffee as long as you can. You’ll end up being addicted eventually, but try to hold out as long as possible.

Junior year: Yes, this year is as bad as everyone says. I’m not going to lie about it. Between AP classes, driver’s ed, SAT preparation, extra-curricular activities, social drama, and everything else in your life, it seems like everything is crashing down around you. You are overwhelmed, and it feels like it’s never going to end. You’re going full speed ahead toward an unknown and uncertain future, and that’s scary. But I guarantee you – it WILL end, everything will work out, and, most importantly, your grades this year do not in any way determine how incredible of a person you are. You will still get into college and do great things with your life, despite Junior year of high school. You are more than a letter or number on a piece of paper.

Senior year: Try not to freak out too much. Submitting applications is stressful, but you WILL get into at least one school, and no matter what you will end up where you’re supposed to be. Enjoy this last year at home with your friends and family, and even if you are counting the seconds until you finally get out and go to college, treasure this time at home. Recognize how lucky you are to have gotten such a fantastic education – even though it was stressful and didn’t seem worth it at times, you have survived, and have come out the better for it. And don’t forget to give your family some love, too. They’re the ones that have helped you through it all, even if you didn’t realize it or acknowledge it at the time.

Freshman year of college: Enjoy the excitement of finally feeling like you’re becoming yourself. The beginning of college is scary but thrilling, so take full advantage of every opportunity thrown your way. Find things to love in each of your classes, make new friends, join any club that looks interesting, and keep your mind open to new things. Don’t say no to something just because you wouldn’t have done it in the past, and start finding your interests and the things you can see yourself pursuing for the rest of your life (but it’s okay if you don’t know yet exactly what you want to do).

Now, sophomore year of college: I honestly have no idea what advice to give myself now. But who really does? The fun of growing up and going through all of these different stages is figuring it out for ourselves. So, to me now and to all other sophomores, I’ll repeat the advice my mom often gives me over the phone (that I have to repeat to myself every day): take a deep breath, focus on the here and now, and stop thinking so far ahead. You’re going to be fine.