So you are going to college. I am sure by now the reality has set in, along with the nerves and excitement.

Soak up this hectic time. Stop and remember the feeling you have when your mom is telling you how to sew on a button. Remember the feeling you have when your dad is telling you how to check the oil in your car, but also listen because you will need to remember what they are teaching you! Soak up the feeling you have when you are going through all your college stuff for the fourth time this summer, just to make sure you have everything packed.

This is a time of mixed emotions. Stress, excitement, nervousness, joy and positivity are all feelings I think every college freshman experience. I remember looking back at the time when I was moving to college and just remembering the crazy feeling of being excited, nervous and stressed all at the same time! How can I feel all these emotions at the same time?

This season of life is a new adventure! A time to really figure out who you are as a person. You will learn if you can stay up late watching a movie with friends and still make it to class the next morning. You will learn just how long you can make a tank of gas last before completely running out. You will learn algebraic equations, what commas are actually used for and what your passion is.

Maybe you are going to college with a specific degree in mind and as soon as you sit down in your first class for your major you realize, “Nope. No sir. This is not for me!” That is just fine! College is a time to learn and try new things. Explore your options because there will be plenty of them.

College is an overwhelming, emotional time in life, but it is one of the best times in life. In college you will make friends that will stand beside you on your wedding day. In college you will make friends that love to make midnight Whataburger runs with you.

Enjoy this crazy feeling of mixed emotions. Soak. It. Up.

Along with all the crazy things to remember before you go to college, like your social security number, license plate number, school ID and where you last saw it, remember this:

Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

So with all this change that is coming just around the corner remember that our Savior is constant. His love for us never changes. His truth never changes. He never changes. He is going with you. A quote that is good to hold onto is, “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not protect you.” Hold on to those powerful words, rub it in and share them with your momma; she will enjoy that peace those words provide.

We are all so proud of you! You are going to do great things. Now go out and start your new adventure with a smile on your face!