It was exactly a year ago that I chose University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as my next chapter after high school. Little did I know that in a span of one year I would learn so much about myself and go through many ups and downs before I fell in love with this place I now call home. My wish for you is to find strength in starting this new chapter of your life and find a home in whatever path you wish to follow next.

Dear graduating senior,

The decision to hit "commit" on your future college's portal is one that is going to seem so scary but so exciting at the same time. This decision of yours was most likely made after multiple talks about the type of education your college offers, the location on which the campus resides, and the finances that determine if you can afford it or not. It is almost as if with a signature or a tap you are deciding what the rest of your life will be.

Weather this college happens to be your dream school or one that you are not happy about my biggest advice to you is to leave all your expectations behind and look at this next chapter with an open and clear mind. The stories you hear, the snaps you see, the movies that portray and the books you read all talk about how great college is but no one talks about how bad college can be.

I came into college with a mindset that I would not have any bad days ever because hello its college what could possibly result in a bad day. This false sense of reality was quickly crushed when I realized that I felt out of place some days, everyone seemed smarter than me, making friends took work I was not used to and the major I applied as became something I was not interested in. These expectations that I had come to college with made the bad days I experienced even worse because I felt as though everyone had their stuff together and that my experiences should be just like the ones I had seen in movies and books.

Don't make the mistake I did and come with any pre-conceived expectations. Don't have your chapter pre-filled with situations before they actually take place. Everyone fills their chapters at their own pace and will use up varied amounts of pages and/or change page styles depending on their current needs so be aware that though college seems as a paradisiacal escape–it is challenging.

Once you find your own paradise that is not based off movies and books then trust me it will be worth it. If you are scared that the college you chose was the wrong choice then there is nothing wrong with exploring - there is a reason transfer options are available. College is also not for everyone but do not let that determine the capabilities you still have to change the world.

My last piece of advice would be to soak in every day of your time before college - the good and the bad. I did not realize how much I would miss the lightweight responsibilities, my family, fights with my sister, compassion from teachers who knew everything about me, and friends that I have grown up with my entire life. I took all that for granted and quickly wished for my very first college move-in day which is typical for just about every high school student out there. However, I just wish someone had told me to just slow down and live those three months out before college with appreciation of where I grow up in and who I grew up with whether that be good or bad because your life prior to college has molded the type of person you are today.

Take this time before college to appreciate, plan, laugh a little harder, and love a little stronger because you will be opening a new chapter in your life soon so say goodbye to your last chapter with a mighty peaceful salute.