Dear Freshmen,

I have been there. You're winding down your first semester of college, and you're feeling confident. Well, maybe. You might be having a nervous meltdown. Either way, fear not. I was a nice mix of the two.

Now I'm a junior, and looking back on the past few years, there are things I wish I'd done differently, things I am glad I did, and things I currently wish I were doing differently. Take a word of advice from an upper classman: The downward curve of the semester can be stressful, but it can also be the best part of it. Here's how you make it so.

1. Get more sleep.

Believe it or not, staying up all night studying is NOT as good of an idea as it seems.

2. Try NOT to live off of caffeine.

I know, I know. I'm a hypocrite. But the headaches you get are NOT worth it. I've had to wean myself off of it lately.

3. Stay active.

As much as it may kill you, a few simple sit ups can actually improve your mood.

4. Skipping class is usually not worth it.

Don't do it unless you're having an emergency.

5. Film scores are great studying music.

I have never seen "Game of Thrones," but I can honestly say nothing is impossible with the soundtrack playing in the background. That or "Pirates of the Caribbean." Make a Spotify playlist.

6. You really CAN'T do it all.

Please don't try.

7. Don't let your emotions get unbalanced.

You're stressed. People here are wonderful. And I guarantee that person will seem a lot better than they appear.

BE RATIONAL. RING BY SPRING IS NOT A THING.

8. Take an hour to breathe for every two you spend studying.

When it feels as though you're drowning in all your work, lay on your back and float in it.

Okay, that sounded a lot more philosophical in my head. But you know what I mean.

9. Your professors are not as scary as you think.

If you're confused, ask them for help. Remember, your semester winding down means theirs is, too. And they're stressed, too.

10. DON'T FORGET REGISTRATION!

No, please DO worry about it.

Kidding. Don't stress, just don't forget it...Like I almost did second semester freshmen year.

I'm not proud.

11. Don't neglect your Jesus time.

Yes, the Bible. Remember it?

Once again, kidding. But remember: During the stressful times you need Jesus more than ever.

12. Your friends are vital right now.

Be nice to them. And remember that they love you.

13. Did I mention sleep already?

Too bad. I'm mentioning it again. VITAL. GO TO BED AND USE THE SLEEP.

14. Yes, you really do need to study that much for that exam.

There is a happy medium of studying enough and studying to the point of stressing yourself out more. It is found when studying for the natural phenomenon called "The Bruce Exam." Take heed.

15. Comfort food will be tempting.

I know, I know. I'm a hypocrite. But eventually you will start to FEEL how bad it is for you and want to spit it all out in the trash.

That is not the way to eat. Please don't.

16. Please be nice to the Experiencers.

Look at their adorable little faces and know that they may be the next generation of Corbanites. And the way you treat them WILL affect that.

17. And remember...

Give yourself some grace.

Are you breathing?

Good luck, my little shining stars. You will do amazingly. Mama Rachel has confidence in you.