It's that time of the year again: back to school season!

Unlike some of my peers, growing up, I always loved this time of year because going back to school meant getting back to learning. I absolutely loved learning, and that hasn't changed as I have grown up. I remember going into seventh grade and being so excited to go to a new school and a new environment full of learning.

Now, almost seven years later, I'm tackling my second year of college with full force. As students are preparing to move into their dorms and start their very own college chapter, I think it's important for them to keep an open mind.

When I got to college, I had this set idea of what I thought it would be like. I think everyone does in the sense that the media, especially movies and television, often give us these ideas of college that aren't necessarily true. A lot of students come in thinking that college is going to be the craziest time of their lives, and opportunities will literally be knocking at their door, but what do you do if they don't?

That very thought occurred to me as a freshman in college. I found out that college is the type of place that gives you all the tools to succeed, as well as all the resources, but you have to use them yourself. For me, I was always an independent person, making this no challenge for me; however, I saw firsthand what it was like for someone who grew up under a lot of guidance to struggle with the adjustment to independence.

Sometimes, college is the place where you get lost. I mean this both physically and metaphorically; you literally get lost your first few times on campus, but we've all been there! What I really mean is sometimes I feel as though we get lost in the college life. Whether it be just going through the motions or wandering aimlessly without a direction, I think it's something a lot of college students feel at one point or another. It may last for a day, or it may last for a week, but the one thing to remember is that no one expects you to have your whole life planned out. That would be just impossible for anyone.

Along with that, something to remember is that we are all humans here. We make mistakes, we laugh at ourselves, we have good and bad days, and most importantly, we're ourselves. We're unique.

College is the place where you find that most people have grown up since high school. People aren't afraid to be themselves and go out of their comfort zone. That's the best part in my opinion.

Now, I know everyone's college experience is different - I'm well aware of that. However, I think that sometimes we forget the common ground that is our peers. They're either feeling or have felt the same way that you do at some point, and that's perfectly fine. Just do me one favor when you come to college: trust yourself. I've found that that's the only advice you'll ever need.