Dear Avni,

Stop focusing on the little things. You are starting a new chapter of your life in a place where opportunities are endless: college. Why focus on the small, irrelevant things when you can go out and make of yourself what you've wanted to be and are destined to do. You are in a place now where you can do anything your heart desires without having to worry about what people think. So step out of your comfort zone and go big or go home.

You are not obligated to talk to anyone you don't want to talk to or doesn't have a positive impact on you. This is your prime time to grow as a person, and you can only grow if there is no one holding you back. Let go of those people in your life that make you feel worthless and unimportant. They have no place in your life and you deserve way better. I know it's tempting to resolve any issues and be on talking terms again, but sometimes it is a lot better for you to just cut them out.

Don't stop yourself from having fun, but set your priorities straight. In a few years, it won't matter the amount of clout you had your freshman year of college. Instead, what you did to further your career and get involved will matter. Definitely go out and have fun and meet new people, but remember that eventually it's every man and woman for himself or herself. Join clubs, get involved, talk to genuine people, and know that your future is more important than temporary fun.

Respect yourself and others will too. Don't chase after people that don't care or matter. It's a weird concept because the less you care about other people, the more they care about you and respect you. Invest time in yourself so not only will you be the best person you can be, but people will admire you as well. They always say not to care what other people think, but that's a lot easier said than done. So instead of doing anything you can to impress people, just do you and you'll attract the right people.

Don't trust people or get attached too easily. You're going to come across a lot of people that may make you feel as if you're really important to them but you just have to distinguish the fake people from the genuine ones. If you get attached to people, they're going to find some way to hurt you. So just cruise through it all and don't settle for anything less than what you deserve.

Stop spending so much time on social media. Stop spending so much time on your phone. What you see online about other people is only about 1% of what their life is actually like. Looking at these pictures of their "perfect lives" is doing no good for you. Instead, spend that time reading books, making paintings, and doing other things that will build your character and skills. Think about the long run, these skills are what is going to get you far in life, not pictures on Instagram.

Don't set too many high expectations. Just give it time, everything will happen in due time. I know it will seem at times that nothing in your life goes right, but just know that all these little things that are happening will lead to something big and amazing eventually. Take it step by step. You're going to do a lot of things that you never expected to do, so just keep that in mind whenever you think that life isn't going to get any better. It will, and at the most unexpected times.

Enjoy the present but aim higher for the future. Never settle. Be the baddest b***h you can be.

Love,

Avni