I remember how excited I was a year ago to put on my cap and gown and walk into my school for the last time as a student there. Being a senior in high school is an insanely exciting time, there are so many new opportunities and changes ahead. Hard to believe I just finished my first year of college now, it goes by so incredibly fast. From where I am now, I'd like you to know a few things...

This summer will be one of the greatest of your life. You'll be counting every last moment with your friends before you pack up and move on to your next chapter in life. Because of that, some of the fondest times are in your last summer before college. Make sure you don't wish it all away, even if you're absolutely dying to leave home. College is fantastic, yes, but you won't get these simple times back ever again, whether it's for the better or the worst. Indulge yourself into having minimum responsibilities, fears, worries. Enjoy it with everything you have, speak with kindness, make amends, live fully.

When late July comes around, the panic will hit. You'll realize that you need to pack up your whole life into boxes to move into a small little dorm room. The obsession with stocking up on detergent, Kleenex and other silly things will become your life for that short amount of time. You'll worry you won't have the necessities to live functionally, but I assure you, you will (probably even more than you'll need).

Then it'll be August, and it'll be time for you to become a college freshman. Move in day is so emotional in every way: it's happy, sad, scary, everything. I won't lie, my first night in the dorm I cried myself to sleep because I was utterly terrified... mainly because I couldn't live with my dogs anymore, but that's beside the point. It really is scary at first, and you wonder if you'll make it and be OK. But I am happy to inform you that everything falls into place.

College is a time of so many new things. New people, new experiences, new food... a whole new life. There'll be times where you actually contemplate dropping out to find a career at the local strip club near home. There'll be times where you don't think you'll ever find your place on campus. Despite the struggles and hard times, college is the place where you figure out who you truly are, even who you want to be in the future. It's the place where you meet some truly amazing people, who become dear friends, even family.

With all this in mind, take a breath. Enjoy your last days in this exciting time, Don't wish this away just yet.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Kindly,

A (Now) College Sophomore