Dear Freshman me,

Guess what... you blinked, and suddenly you'll be entering your senior year in just a few short months. Everyone told you it would fly by, but you didn't believe them. But now that you've closed the door on your junior year and can see that small light at the end of the tunnel, you realize just how right they were. Right now, it feels like it will drag on, and you can't wait to leave. But now that your time to move on is actually in sight, there's a few things I want you to know.

First of all, your grades aren't everything. Yes, you should remember why you are ultimately here, and that's to get a good degree that will move you forward in life. But you're also here to make memories. And all of your best ones won't occur in the classroom. They'll happen in your dorm, at practice, or at that party you didn't really want to go to, but ended up having a blast at. School is important, you already know that. But nothing will ever be as important at the people in your life, which brings me to my next point.

You will find your people. Leaving home wasn't easy for you, I know. Endings have always scared you. But trust me when I say that the right people will always be there for you in the end. Losing that daily communication with your high school friends does not mean you will automatically lose them. It means you are growing up, and they are, too. And unfortunately, there just aren't enough hours in the day to call everyone we love and remind them how much they mean to us. But you'll adjust to this new way of life and so will all of your friendships that really matter most. Call when you can and don't punish yourself for the times that you can't. Remember that no matter how much time passes, the memories of the ones you love will still live on in your heart and theirs, too. Don't worry about whether you're meant to be a part of each others futures, that is something you have to wait to find out. But know that you'll always be connected because of the past you shared.

Learn to focus more on the present. You're a planner, that's how you've always been. And truth is, you plan because you think it gives you control. You've gotten yourself to believe that if you plan out your entire future, it will come true. I need you to understand that's simply not the case. You think you know where you're life is going, but I'm here to tell you that you have no idea. Because life is an ever-changing big whopping mess. You have no idea the experiences that are coming your way, both good and bad. And there is no way to prepare for them. So really live in the moment, because these are moments you can't get back.

Don't take anything personally. At the end of the day, we are all after the same thing, and that's simple to be happy. And what's right for you won't always be right for someone else. One person's path to happiness is almost never the same as the next person. But it's not your job to decide which is right or wrong. You're only job is to find the one for you and do everything you can to stick to it. And it's okay if that path changes. Honestly, it will change every day. Sometimes you'll be the life of the party and will enjoy going out every chance you can. And sometimes, you'll be a lot more content staying home in your comfy clothes watching your favorite movies with a few close loved ones, or maybe even alone. But the great thing about life is that you can be both. You don't have to limit yourself to one option. Be everything you want to be and do everything you want to do in that specific moment, and you won't have any regrets.

You are going to change. And that's another aspect of life I know you've always struggled with. But you'll learn that change is something to embrace, not be afraid of. And you'll learn that the people around you will change, too, even the ones you wish wouldn't. Because time and circumstances change, so it's natural that we adjust to go along with them. Everyone has to become the person they want to be for themselves, not who you wish they were. And that's okay. You'll watch as some of the people you love most become complete strangers. And it's going to hurt like hell. But you'll also watch total strangers become some of the people you love the most. And that's a beautiful process.

Because this is one of the biggest lessons I've learned over the past three years: you do not have nearly as much control as you think. You can control your actions and how you respond to other peoples, but that's pretty much where the line ends. Make as many plans as you want and include other people in them. Life isn't meant to be spent alone, so don't be afraid to open your heart and share it with others. But understand and respect that at the end of the day, you have no control over someone else's heart or mind. They have to make decisions for their life, just as you have to do the same for yours. So you will lose some friends along the way, and it will be painful at times. But the way other people act towards you will reflect their character, not yours. Let them go and trust that who's meant to be in your life will be when the time is right.

Trust God's plan for your life. It may not always match your expectations, but don't miss out on a blessing because it comes in an unexpected package. People always say the best experiences come from doing the things that scare you the most, and it's true. Take some risks. And if they don't pay off, don't stop trying. When the time is right, they will. Because God's plan won't work on your time table. He will give you exactly what you need at the time that you need it.

These next few years won't be easy, but trust me when I say they will be worth it. I wish I could tell you that your college years will be carefree and far from heartbreak. But that's just not life. You're going to experience some really hard times, but you're also going to experience happiness that you didn't even know was possible. So always be kind, to others and to yourself. I promise no one has ever regretted being nice. Be there for the people you love most and learn to let it go when people you love can't always be there for you. But make sure you never forget the ones that do choose to stay.

Remember that no matter what happens, you're going to make it through. The fact that you're writing this letter is proof of that. And you won't just be okay, you're going to be great. Because regardless of what you go through, it will not break you. Your heart may break, but you won't. And each time you get back up, you put the pieces back a little differently and grow closer to becoming the person you've always wanted to be. You can only imagine all the amazing places and amazing people God will bring into your life. And once you learn to just enjoy where you're at right now, you'll realize how beautiful your life really is.

And oh you got so much going for you, going right.
But I know at seventeen, it's hard to see past Friday night.
I wish you'd study Spanish. I wish you'd take a typing class.
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be.
I'd say have a little faith and you'll see.
If I could write a letter to me.
- Brad Paisley