It's something I've looked forward to my entire life. It's the first step out into the real world. It's the first major decision I'll make. It's the stepping stone for the rest of my future. My entire future will be inspired by the experience. Remember how everyone said high school is the best four years of your life? They were totally wrong. College is by far the best four years.

So what are some of my goals for my first official year away from home? Discover who I truly am. It all boils down to that. We spend four years in high school being told what we will do, how we will do it and when we will finish it. Granted, college still has due dates, but you aren't constantly being told how to work. You finally have freedom in your education. Say goodbye to common core and hello to beneficial learning opportunities, that actually do impact your future.

Not only do you have freedom in classes but also, from parents. Of course I love my parents to no end, but we all need to gain more independence and find ourselves in this scary adult world. Wait you mean there isn't a fairy that cleans my dishes and washes my clothes? Since when?!

With all this new gained independence, I might finally figure out my interests! The biggest advice I was given before my freshman year of high school was join clubs to meet people who are interested in the same things you are. Well, it's hard when you don't even know your interests yet. After trial and error I figured some things out, but there are so many new possibilities! For the first time in my life, I will be surrounded by people that didn't grow up like me. We come from a variety of states and even countries each with it's own unique culture and story.

Stories may be the most important aspect of college. College is about the entire experience, not just academics. Remember when you called your hometown home? Not anymore. Your college becomes your home. When you go away for break, you'll miss your college friends and the endless all nighter's sponsored by coffee and junk food.