Dear college freshman,

Here you are at the beginning of a new adventure, as my time is drawing to a close. I know how excited you are to get on to campus and settle in to your dorm. As your parents leave campus and you realize that you have your first taste of independence, you will realize that this is going to be a big change. Although it is a big change, the next four years will be the best and worst years of your life.

You come to college to be a student first. You will take classes that will push you harder than you have ever worked before. You will take classes that you will pass with flying colors and classes that you will worry about passing the entire semester. You will make it through these struggles though. You have made it this far and your goals will push you to exceed all expectations. All college students should invest in a planner to help with your classes. It will keep you organized and on track to finish assignments. Always remember that you are at college to be a student first.

You will meet people that will change your life in big and small ways. Your campus community will surround you with people of different backgrounds that will change the way you see the world. They will allow you to think outside the box on different scenarios. Get to know your roommates, neighbors, floormates, classmates, professors. Get to know people in your major, these will be the people that will be able to help you once you get in to your harder classes. Get to know the people you interact with everyday. You only get to be in college for so long, make it a memorable experience.

Get involved. Find something that interests you and get involved. Whether it is Greek life, Club Sports, Intramurals or an organization relating to your major. Get involved in organizations that allow you to make a difference. Do not just sit in your dorm room or the library doing homework. Even though doing your homework is important, being involved outside the classroom is just as important to your success. You are only in college for four years. You need to make memories that will last a lifetime. The people you meet in these organizations will be the people that become your biggest support system over the next four years. You should not only get involved in organizations, take leadership roles in your organization. They look great on resumes and they help you grow as an individual.

I am extremely jealous of the journey you are about to embark on. Going to college has not changed me but it has made me a better me. I have gained leadership skills through student organizations, thrived in the classroom and was able to survive without my parents. I have made friends with people that will be standing besides me when I get married. I was just like you four years ago, a nervous high school graduate that was ready to take on the world with this new experience. You will never know what the future holds, just take it one day at a time.

Welcome to college,

With love,

A graduating Senior