“It’s the oldest story in the world. One day, you’re 17 and planning for someday, and then quietly and without you really noticing, someday is today, and then someday is yesterday, and this is your life." -OTH

Dearest Freshman,

Wasn't it just yesterday? Wasn't it just yesterday that you were going dress shopping with your best friends for your first high school dance? Wasn't it just yesterday that you were celebrating with your teammates over winning that game, or cheering at the top of your lungs for your high school basketball team when they claimed victory at the state championship?

Time flies. The time between the start and end of high school passes by in the blink of an eye. From there ,many students move onto college. College is a whole new world full of wonder and experiences, much different than high school. But don't blink. Don't think for a second that college doesn't go by just as fast as those high school years. In fact, even faster. So keep your eyes open. Not for fear of time passing by but so that you recognize all the incredible things that are happening as they come. Be aware that these next four years will be unlike any other four years in your life. Don't take a thing for granted. Recognize the magic of the land that is college, and revel in every moment as it occurs. Then, when you're an old senior like me, you'll be ready to face that last year with open arms, because you have a whole collection of wonderful memories stashed away:

1. The first night out with your roommates. Take a picture, it'll be a night to remember.

2. Studying in the library until 3am with a ton of kids from your class for an exam you're all convinced is impossible to pass. Studying with people is usually really effective, and if not, it at least makes it suck a whole lot less.

3. Stuffing your face with buffalo chicken pizza at 2am with your friends and simultaneously venting about your confusing college love lives. Every college has at least one nearby restaurant open until the wee hours of the morning. It's a wonderful, wonderful blessing, and a terrible calorie-ridden curse. Use your delivery ordering power wisely.

4. Getting caught by an RA, and either getting out of it or all going down together.

5. Dragging yourself to the gym with your best friend in your utmost attempts to avoid the Freshman 15. Find a good gym buddy! Trust me, you'll be happy you did.

6. Hungover weekend brunch in the dining hall with your partners in crime. Take advantage of the glorious thing that is greasy home fries served until 2pm.

7. Becoming abnormally close with the people in your hall.

8. Celebrating Halloween like 5 times every year, because in college it's "Halloweek".

9. Wearing more of your roommate's clothes than your own, and vice-versa.

10. Attending events just for the free food, because colleges LOVE to bribe their students with free food. Don't blow off all of the events the school has to offer. A lot of them are actually pretty cool and you'll be glad you went. And if not, at least you'll get some pizza out of it.

11. �Making friends with someone over the sole reason that you're both probably going to fail the class that you're in. You'll be surprised how many great friendships will begin from this. Talk to the students sitting next to you. Having a friendly face in class makes it so much more bearable.

12. Going out on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, whatever night you please, because you don't have class until 11 the next morning.

13. Dressing up in school colors and tailgating, even if your football team isn't the best, because daydrinking.

14. Meeting so many new, amazing people. What other time in your life will you constantly be surrounded by thousands of people your age?

So yes, college goes by quick, it's only 4 years. But if you pay attention and appreciate every moment, 4 years is just enough. So live it up my dearest freshmen. Go into this new stage in your life with your whole heart. Go out of your way to be friendly to everyone, don't put your drink down at a party, and try to stay away from the daily french fries served in the dining hall as much as possible. Best wishes and have so much fun.

XOXO, a Senior