Well, self, you've made it. Senior year. You've made it through four grueling years of tests, quizzes, useless busywork assignments, and roller coaster emotions. You've also made it through break-ups, make-ups, friendships ending, and finding the love of your life. You ought to be proud.

Looking back, there are some things I wish I could have told you way back when. I know I can't change anything now, but if I could, here is what I would say:

1. Don't skip class.

Seriously kid, what are you thinking? Tuition is enough...go to class. Don't fall behind. It takes so much more to try and catch up than it does to just buckle down and go.

2. Leave your room.

Yes honey, I know you're an introvert. But looking back, how many friendships do you still have that you started freshman year? Exactly. Leave your room, leave your little bubble, and go make some friends for goodness sake.

3. Do what you love as soon as you can.

You know how you hesitated to join the music department? Yeah, that was a mistake. Go for it as soon as you can. You'll regret not living a life of passion more than you will pleasing certain people. It's your life; live it as the Lord has called you to.

4. It's okay to be afraid, but it isn't okay to stay there.

College is a huge milestone. You've made it to this point, and you should be proud. Yes, it brings new challenges, but it also brings new awesome opportunities. Take advantage of them! Don't let fear hold you back. College is what you make of it.

5. Try something new.

So what if you don't like ballroom dancing? Who cares if you don't like running? So what if that new dish in the caf is a little sketch? Try something new. If you never try, you'll never know what you might be really good at, or what you really hate (example, that new dish in the caf; it's definitely sketch, and you should probably not try that ever again).

6. It's okay to go home every now and then.

Home is where the heart is, right? Okay, it depends on your situation. But returning to the place where you started out can be a humbling and relaxing time after a week of research papers, quizzes, and never ending homework assignments. Take the time to go back home and connect with your families and friends.

7. It's also okay to stay at school over the weekend.

Learning to be independent can be tough, but what better way to learn than to spend a weekend on campus doing homework and laundry? Or binge-watching Netflix, that works, too.

8. Don't think you have to do it all on your own.

You have academic advisers for a reason. You have professors for a reason. You have friends and classmates for a reason. When things get to be too much, let them help. We're not meant to do it all alone! You're not required to set yourself on fire to keep others warm.

9. Read your Bible more.

Trust me, dear. Just do it. The peace you find in the word of God is better than any temporary happiness the world can lend you. Root yourself in truth so you can resist the craziness of life a bit easier. You'll also grow closer to the Lord this way, and let's face it: you can do nothing without Him.

And lastly,

10. Enjoy the time you have while you still have it.

It's been said that college is the best time of your life. Well, that's only true if you make it the best time of your life. Yes, you're studying to succeed in your choice career field, but you're also building a foundation for the rest of your life. Enjoy the work, enjoy the long nights, enjoy the 2 a.m. Walmart runs, enjoy it all. One day, you'll be stuck in a 9-5 job every day. It may be a job you love, but it's still a routine. Enjoy the simplicity and freedom of every semester changing while it's still here.

I know it sounds cheesy, but who cares? You need to hear this, and being "thankful" doesn't even begin to describe how you feel now that you've learned all of this the hard way...one day at at time.