I remember waking up on my first day of school full of emotions. It didn't matter if I was going into middle school, in my third year of high school or starting college. My stomach was in knots, yet I was so excited for the journey ahead of me. Despite of how I was feeling on that early morning, I wish I would have been reminded of these five things!

1. Nerves Are OK!

Walking into my first day of school, I remember grasping my backpack a little tighter and breathing so much quicker. Nerves always found a way to start the year with me. With that said, just know nerves can be a good thing too. Don't dwell on insecurities but solely on the positive nerves. What is God going to do in me this year? What am I going to be able to bring this year? How can I make someone else's day? What do I need to do to better myself for my community?

2. It's A New Year!

Whether you're starting your senior year in high school or ending your senior year in college, it's easy to dwell on the last school year. The drama, old relationships and shaky friend groups. Forget them! Summer separated you from that year, and LIFE HAS HAPPENED. Most people have forgotten the yuck and want to start the new year off clean. Keep your head up and focus on what you want this year to look like, not what it once did!!!

3. Grades DO matter.

I always told myself I would be an "A" student, but as the years went on, I was careless with my grades. I could have learned them once in High school but instead, i am relearning them in college courses. Learning is something we can easily take for granted!

4. Everyone Wants To Be Noticed.

What I mean by this is, everyone wants to be known. Instead of brushing by someone you wouldn't normally talk to, say hello. So often, we forget that everyone is someone. We go through life so focused on our lives, we don't think about those we don't walk in life with. Love on everyone. A simple hi or how are you doing can lift anyone's spirits.

5. You're Not Alone

Walking through a campus full of people, I always found myself discouraged and alone. I knew I had friends but in the end, I felt like it was just me. What I discovered was, God was with me through it all. I wouldn't have made it through High school or the first few semesters, If it wasn't for the big man upstairs. If you find yourself lost, just know you can find youself found in him.