Dear 17-year-old me,

At some point, between my first steps on campus, sleepless nights, and the $10,000 I most likely contributed to the Starbucks company--I ended my first semester at Central Michigan University. It was quite the ride, and not at all what I would've ever expected from my first semester in college. It was traumatic, insightful, and at some points, unbearable. But overall, going away to college taught me more about myself than any book or person could've. I just wanted to write you, to let you know it's going to be okay.

High school isn't everything.

Let me rephrase: High school is important, but it isn't going to make-or-break your life. That boy you had a crush on all four years, probably isn't the love of your life--trust me, guys are much different in college. Which brings me to my first point: Boys aren't the most important things in life. Not even close. In college, you will find yourself thinking about which flavor pump to get in your Starbs more than you will the boy you met last night.

Finding "your people" will happen naturally.

I found my people kind of on accident. It was September, and my (our) best friend had convinced me to go through Sorority recruitment week somehow. With an open mind, we went through the week which was nothing less than stressful and eye-opening--and found ourselves on that Friday afternoon, "Jumping Home." Little did I know, on Bid-Day, I would find my Big, who would double not only as a life-long best friend, but a sister. They aren't kidding when they say that your sorority will become a part of you.

Greek life isn't actually like the stereotypes.

When I jumped home, I still wasn't fully convinced that Greek life wasn't going to be how the stereotypical movies like "Neighbors" portrays them. But much to my dismay, it was the complete opposite. I found a group of girls who quickly became my second family, and my real sisters. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined 100+ girls having my back all the time, but I couldn't have asked for anything more. Shoutout to my AXO girls, I love you all.

Calling your parents 7 times a day is okay.

You thought mom was your best friend in high school? We took best friend to a whole new level in college. I can't even tell you the amount of times I called her at all times of the day, and how she would talk to me however long I needed to, never urging me to hang up. Dad gave me some of the best advice I'd ever received, and helped me to find paths to take when it seemed there were none. Nana sent me the best care-packages, and let me know that it was okay to come home if I wanted to, but reminded me that there is a difference between homesickness and not being happy. If it weren't for these people and countless others, I would not be here. I owe it all to them, and cannot even begin to express how grateful I am.

Time management, time management, time management.

Walking into my first 11am, I wasn't sure what to expect. Okay, I had made some assumptions, expecting a long lecture resulting in me trying to keep my eyes open, but for the most part, I was wrong. Syllabus week is absolutely crazy, and I think the hardest part is adjusting to life on your own and learning how to balance fun with studying. See, the work load is doable, the problem is that there are so many other things to do in college, that without parental guidance, it's hard to balance it all. The most important advice I can give is to get a planner, and hold yourself accountable for everything.

Your best friend is your rock.

Good lord. I would not have made it through the semester (or life for that matter) without her. I remember the first week we were at school, when the homesickness was so bad that we cried with each other in the hallway every single night until 2am. We were (are) each other's little piece of sanity, at least she was mine, and she is seriously my best friend, other half, and soul sister. Talking and hanging out every day is still not enough for me, it's a good thing we have a whole lifetime ahead of us.

You will be okay.

With finals over and my grades in, looking back, I didn't do too shabby. In the end, you will be okay no matter what, just try to keep in mind that you only get 8 semesters (typically) before it's all over, so live it up. That boy from the beginning of semester was a lesson, painful, but necessary. Netflix bing-watching is okay, unless it's finals week. Okay, maybe one episode. You will see your friends from home soon enough, don't worry. Tears are okay, by the way--in fact, they're encouraged.

Go to that party, talk to that boy, sing at that karaoke night. Make lifelong relationships, and don't let one fleeting moment pass you by. Hangovers have their name for a reason, just apologize to your roommates, try to keep everything in a contained space, and remember lysol. Guys (and girls) for the most part are still boys/girls in college, and most of the time are not looking for anything serious, so keep that in mind and make sure to put your feelings and intentions out there in the beginning so there's no confusion. Above all, remember that you are stronger than you think you are, kid. I can promise you, we're doing great.

Love always,

Me