I was once like all of you. In fact, just one year ago, I was in the position all of you are currently in. I remember my last few days of my senior year of high school, and how all the things I had never paid attention to before became sentimental all at once. From freshman year until junior year, I never realized the importance of being a part of sports teams, attending sports games, making long-lasting friendships, spirit week, semi-formals and other school dances, and so much more. It wasn't until my senior year, when I realized I would be experiencing these things for the last time, that it all became important to me. And now that I've graduated high school and completed my freshman year of college, I find myself looking back on the memories made during my senior year. Whenever I scroll down my newsfeed and timeline on my various social media platforms, I empathize with all of the graduating seniors. I witness seniors posting their graduation photos, prom pictures and memories from senior nights, and I find myself reminiscing about my experience of those events. Everyone always told me to cherish my high school years, because college would not be easy. As a rising sophomore in college, I am here to confirm and emphasize that statement, as well as offer tips regarding the next chapter in your lives:

1. If you have declared a major, you are likely to change your mind.

Remember that this is okay, and there is nothing wrong with changing your mind! However, try to solidify your decision by sophomore year because otherwise, you will find yourself not having an adequate amount of time to fulfill your graduation requirements.

2. The Freshman 15 is mainly a myth.

It is not that difficult to maintain your weight in college.

3. Keep your priorities in line.

College is definitely about having fun, but too much fun can be a major distraction.

4. What you put into your college experience is what you get.

5. Not all of your professors will be personable.

This is not high school. Do not expect them to be.

6. Your grades are extremely important.

...Especially if you were awarded an academic scholarship!

7. Learning to maintain balance will be crucial to your success.

8. Get involved and seize all opportunities that intrigue you.

9. Some people take longer than others to adjust to being away from home.

It is natural and perfectly fine for you to be one of those people.

10. Purchase shower shoes!

These are not optional!

11. Remember to thank and converse with the janitorial crew responsible for cleaning up after you and the other people in your residence hall.

12. Become friendly with your RA or the other RAs in your residence hall.

13. Your freshman roommate is not guaranteed to be your best friend.

Establish rules and boundaries early on and may the odds be ever in your favor.

14. It is alright to call home whenever you are feeling homesick.

15. You will find people in college who have similar interests as you.

16. There is a chance that you will "lose" yourself in college.

You may find yourself going through an identity crisis. When or if this happens, just think back to the times when you were confident in yourself. Think about your passions, your interests, your hobbies. Think about what made you the happiest. It is possible that you will stop doing these things in college, because your mind is focused elsewhere. Don't. Hold on to what makes you you.

17. If you think you are failing, you're probably not.

College has a way of making you more paranoid than usual.

18. Nothing is going to be given to you.

You must take what you deserve.

19. Be yourself!

20. It will all be worth it in the end.

Congratulations to all graduating seniors and blessings to you on your upcoming college career. Make it a great one!