Dear Cori,

Congrats, YOU MADE IT. Finals are done, you’ve walked across the graduation stage, you have a diploma with your name on it, your orientation is done, and your wallet now holds a University ID. In a few short months you’ll leave our small town for college. Instead of writing a sappy letter about how proud I am of you, I decided to write a list of advice, and things to remember as you begin your journey into adulthood.

1. It’s okay be homesick. Trust me, being 2,500 miles away from home, it happens to me all the time.
2. Call home. Moms love that stuff. Dads don’t mind either.
3. Also, don’t be afraid to call your friends and catch up. They miss you too.
4. Find the best coffee shop within the first months of school. When you become a regular, you’ll thank yourself.
5. Make sure there’s free time in your schedule. Make room for activities.
6. Remember to sleep some, Naps are also great when you need to recharge.
7. Amazing things happen when you GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.
8. But in the case that you oversleep for class, don’t panic. Email your professor, they know that shit happens.
9. Don’t be afraid to take a mental health day. Your sanity is far more important than your GPA.
10. Speaking of GPA, C’s get degrees.
11. Changing your major is not the end of the world. A wise seventh grade science teacher once said, “If you pursue a job that makes you genuinely happy, you’ll never have to work a day in your life” (Thank you, JW).
12. Parties are fun, but so is Netflix (I know you already know this).
13. Be curious and ask questions. There is no such thing as a dumb question.
14. Get involved and join a club. It’s a great way to meet people and network.
15. Learn how to network and perfect your communication skills. Opportunities can be found in the strangest of places.
16. You meet your people in college. The friends that you make on the first day of school may be there for a month, or for the rest of your life - either one is okay.
17. College boys come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. He might stay in your life for a month, or for the rest of your life. Proceed with caution, but keep your mind open. “The boy who sits behind you in history class may want your number for more than just studying for a history test” -CS
18. Personalize your space, print pictures, and make your dorm your home.
19. Prepare for the worst days with the best snacks.
20. Don’t hate, hydrate.
21. Eat breakfast. And lunch. And dinner. And second dinner. Always.
22. Remember that college is a marathon, not a sprint. Celebrate small victories, whether that be making a deadline, acing a test, or remembering to take laundry out of the dryer on time (and not turning your sheets pink).
23. You can dress for success and still fail. You’re going to learn something either way.
24. Regardless of the context or situation, it is 100% okay to say NO.
25. Remember everyday to be your beautiful self. College is when you put on your adult training wheels, and learn how to survive in the real world. Don’t lose sight of who you are or where you came from.

You is kind, you is smart, you is important. I am forever proud of you, and lucky to call you my best friend. Remember these things, and take care of yourself. I can’t wait to see what college-Cori does in the future.

All my love,

Amanda