You don't realize it is happening, but when you finally get to this point, you think, wow, that went by too fast for my own good. When you are a freshman entering college, you can't help but dream of all the things you're about to experience. You get a chance to start a brand new life, you are out of your parents grip, and you can do, be, and act exactly how you want. Then you blink and all of the sudden you have over 100 credit hours, you're making plans to move back home, and you're attending big-kid job fairs. Where does the time go, and how did you not realize how much you were changing in those four years, because by college graduation you are a brand new person and that is the most exciting thing about it all.

So to the freshman, I know life is fun and I know it is also scary, but don't lose your roots. It's hard not to get caught up in the scene and it is hard to be under your own rules, but remember that you came to college for a degree, not to become the best beer pong player. Dream as big as you want. In college, the opportunities are endless. I call college the trial stage to adulthood because you are making adult decisions by yourself, but you have mom and dad to fall back on if necessary. Take full advantage of these adult decisions, as in studying abroad, joining Greek life, or taking an internship. Speaking of mom and dad, call them.

Many times as a freshman I felt like I dove in too deep. I thought that coming to college was out of my league, and several times my first semester I ended up in my small, shared-by-four-girls, gross dorm shower just crying because I felt so overwhelmed. You will feel overwhelmed a lot, and surprisingly you feel extremely lonely a lot. This is a surprising one because you're at a university filled with people who thrive on networking and being social, but when you move hundreds of miles from home, away from your high school that was filled with people who know you, to come to a college where you're lucky if a professor remembers your name is an extreme culture shock, which can result in a sense of loneliness. But fear not. That feeling passes quickly once you're adjusted and you make new friends.

Oh, and don't forget to enjoy yourself, treat yourself, and push yourself. College is too fun not to enjoy; you'll learn that by the end of freshman year. Do whatever makes you happy, whether it's dabbling in new hobbies, joining an organization, or traveling on the weekends. Immerse yourself in the fun. Treat yourself, because you don't have mom to cook your favorite meal after a long day. And last, push yourself because you never know who you can become with a little self-motivation.

Now I am a senior, and though I learned all of those lessons on my own, I wish I would have had someone read me this at the time. I fell in love with college regardless of how tough it can be, and I am so sad to leave it behind. This just takes me to the next stage in which I'll grow even more. I am so thankful for the memories I have made, the knowledge I have gained, and the new person I have become. You don't think you want to change at the time, but when you do, you couldn't be more excited that this silent transition happened.

(Oh, and some not so sappy advice that you need to know: run for a leadership position in an organization, have a resume, don't drink the punch (ever), go to your tailgates, bring sunscreen to pool days, learn to cook something besides spaghetti, make time to workout, get close with at least one professor so that he/she becomes a mentor for a lifetime, make friends with the manager at your favorite restaurant, invest in Netflix and Spotify, remember your manners, don't join Tinder, manage your time wisely, and tequila shots are not a good idea even if they are free from a cutie at the bar.)