I know what you're thinking. I know that it might be a little early to be making such long winded messages, but it's imperative that you get a message like this as soon as possible. For some colleges, classes do not start for a good month or so, but there are plenty of colleges, including mine, that start classes in just a few weeks. Let me make it clear that this message can apply to anyone returning to school and not just the incoming freshmen. So with all of that out of the way, let me give to you my so called “important” message: breathe!

On the surface, freshman year of college should not seem that simple. After all, you are just going to a new school to learn and make new friends and all that good stuff. And let me tell you that I myself was not too nervous going into freshman year. Sure, I had natural nervousness that comes with any new, life changing part of life, but deep down I felt just fine. However, I will tell you right now that that first week you are in college is an important one where relaxation is key. Your parents leave, you are getting used to someone new to live with, you have to get ready for the first classes and most notably, you are meeting tons of new people (some of which could potentially become your closest friends). That is a lot of information to process in your mind. Going to college is essentially restarting your entire life! Think about it -- you are introduced to a new environment and are socially required to find a certain amount of friends. That is practically the entirety of your 10-plus years of education in around one month! This is a lot to take in, and the purpose of building all of this up is not meant to discourage you -- rather, I hope it puts things in a new perspective.

Getting back into the rhythm of school is no easy task. If you struggled in high school, you will probably have a hard time in college. If you excelled in high school, the same thing will happen. No one can escape the inevitability of college level courses. But here's the kicker. If you just take a step back and breathe, you will begin to understand how to approach this new world you are living in. There is no denying that college will be hard work, but I am certain that if you simply put things into perspective, your life will become much simpler. Work hard in your classes, join new clubs, take part in as much campus activities as you can. Sure, college is supposed to be about academics, but academics is only the half of it! College is really about new experiences and how you can become a better person. Do not let grades discourage you. Do not let any person discourage you. Breathe in the new fresh air that college provides for you. That’s what it’s there for.