Dear High School Seniors,

Since around 5 o'clock my phone has been buzzing with texts, and snapchats, and my newsfeed has been filled with statuses all saying the same thing: UMD Class of 2021.

First thing's first: Congratulations! I'm proud of you... we all are. Your acceptance to the University of Maryland is a huge accomplishment. You've worked hard throughout you childhood to get the acceptance letter of your dreams.

Those of us at UMD are currently starting a new semester. While it's an adjustment, it doesn't have the same feelings as senior year excitement/nervousness.

Why am I mentioning this? Well, when I was watching a movie with some friends, one of them said "wow, has it really been a year?"

Flashbacks filled my mind.

Of admissions decisions. Of graduation. Of beach week. Of graduation summer. Of move in. Of you get the idea...

Time flies. Before you know it, you'll be sitting with your college friends getting messages left and right from your younger friends about UMD admissions decisions.

Be prepared to learn more than you've ever learned before. In and out of the classroom. About yourself. About others. Be prepared to make new friends. To form bonds with others you never thought you would.

And once you start at UMD you'll realize that there's so much happening... activities, clubs, greek life, volunteer work, athletic events, and, of course, academics.

In brief, your acceptance letter is your ticket here... but what you make of your UMD experience is up to you.

Much love,

Someone who was in your shoes last year