Going back to school brings up a lot of mixed feelings; you're excited for the new year but terrified terrified it will all go wrong. Consider that, maybe, you're supposed to feel both joyful and aware. Life brings many good things but those gifts can break or fall apart. Life could change in a blink of an eye. So, all you can do is ride the wave. Stay clam and stay cool. Reminisce on the good but remind yourself of the bad. Like my dad always says: "Prepare for the worst and hope for the best." Check out some cool parts about going back to school... and some not so down parts:

Cool:

1. No Parental Supervision.

This is when you get to do all those stupid ideas your parents would never let you do if they were there. Like build slide from the roof to the pool, or having your room look like crack den or drinking during the day.

2. Going back to all my friends.

"It's been two hours and I already miss you" says friend number one. "Oh my God, same!" replies friend number two. Facetime just doesn't quite cut it sometimes. Getting back with your squad and your antics is one of the best feelings ever. They're your home away from home. The people who remind you to never give up and to always finish your drink.

3. The fun class.

If you play your cards right and you do a bit of internal research you may get a spot in one of the "fun" classes. Those classes are the ones that excite you, that make you learn, that make you not want to skip even if you have to cross a storm to be at it. If you are lucky enough to have experienced that honor then you know how special those moments are, If you haven't had a "revelation" class then I suggest starting where you usually wouldn't.

4. Random kick-ass house parties.

Forget frat row, stoop kid's parties are where it's at! New beginnings are for celebrating. Cheers to the many house parties that host the excitement of being ready to get f****d up.

5. Pizza for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

"It's 3 am and I need to sober up, what should I eat?" Pizza!
"We have this huge meeting in 10 minutes and the catering just canceled, who should I call?" Pizza!
"I've been working hard all week and I feel like eating something greasy, what should I get?" Pizza!

Not so cool:

1. Adjusting your sleep schedule.

During summer break you go to sleep at 5 am and wake up at 2 pm (if your vacationing the right way, of course.) Going back to college means you have to re-adjust your body's sleep cycle to one were you'll be awake and functioning when you have to go to class. This can be a pain as most of us night creatures melt in the sun.

2. The class you thought would be an easy "A."

"It's super easy," they said. "Guaranteed A," they said. So many promises, such disappointment. Memo to self: "don't ask the smart kids that try hard what classes to take."

3. Hangovers during class.

Good for you for making it there! You're an automatic champion if you can party like an animal and still make it on time to class. Yes, it still counts if you look disheveled and/or homeless. To those who manage to sit through class with a searing headache and don't throw up in the hall bathroom then five stars for you, buddy.

4.The test you studied your a** off for and failed.

Every year there's always that one test the boggles your mind at reading the results. The test you had spent three days studying for, living off Red Bull and peanuts, and they give you an F! Those sting. They hit real close to home because most people don't try as hard and still get a better grade.

5. Having to "adult" by yourself.

It's all you out there, bud. Mom can't make that doctor's appointment! She's in Minnesota! You're in New Orleans! I know it's scary but trust me, you can go to the DMV by yourself. I swear.