Freshman year of college is over. I’m home working, dancing, and preparing for sophomore year this September. Exactly one year ago today I was dancing, stressing over finals and AP tests, going to countless high school activities banquets, and wondering what the year I just lived through might possibly be like.

Dear High School Senior Me,

Graduation’s coming up and you’re about to take a huge step forward in your life. I know you’re feeling okay now, but as college approaches, you’re going to get scared, excited, stressed, and you’re going to feel every possible emotion you could at once. Just know, I’ve been there and it’s going to be okay. Well actually, much better than okay, but you’ll figure that out later. As you're taking your first steps into your college life, I have a few things to tell you that might ease out the transition a bit.

Summer is a time for fun, but it’s also a time to start preparing for the school year. Actually, plan your dorm decorations- going in with no idea what might fit or look good I the room is just more unnecessary move-in stress. Along with the planning, pack what you can EARLY! Get away from the idea that you’re going to bring your whole wardrobe to college because you can’t. Pick some versatile favorites, stuff them (neatly) into a suitcase, and be on your way.

Once you’re packed and ready to go your mind’s going to run to what college might be like when you get there. Accept that you won’t know the answer until you’re there living it. Do know, though, that you will make friends when you get there. Even the few students that do have friends going to school with them are looking for new people to branch out to, so stay open and genuine and you’ll find some of the best friends you’ve ever had.

I’ve covered how to prepare for school beforehand now, next is how to deal with the year ahead. What you’re going to college for is hard and you’ve known that from the beginning. Take the highs and the lows with a grain of salt and know that you’re strong enough to be completely yourself through both. Each situation you’ll deal with and every lesson you’ll learn this year will make you stronger so LISTEN. Listen to every friend’s story, teacher’s correction, and random New Yorker’s rambling- you’ll learn different things from each of them.

Finally, know that you’ve got this. Freshman year is going to be even better than you ever imagined and before you know it, you’ll be in my shoes.

Love,

College Sophomore Me