You did it! You have finally graduated high school and now have made the decision to continue your education at college! (That's a big accomplishment and you should all be proud of yourselves). Ah, the next big milestone... COLLEGE! Some people have been waiting their whole lives to go to college, and some others... well.... not so much. Whether you are ready or not, you are all leaving in a few short months so here are a few words of wisdom from a rising Junior!

Crazy how fast 4 years of high school fly, right? I remember sitting at freshman orientation in high school and them saying that "these will be the fastest 4 years of your life." I didn't believe them. Next thing I knew I blinked and was walking across the stage at graduation. Like high school, college goes by so fast it's insane, and maybe even faster than high school.

I remember everyone in high school scaring me about college. Saying how hard it was and how different it was from high school. Unfortunately, they were right. But that doesn't mean you can't be prepared for whatever your professors (weird that they aren't teachers anymore right?) have to throw at you! First of all, do not, I repeat DO NOT waste your last summer before college. Sadly there may be people from high school that you grow apart from and drift away from. Spend your last summer with your best friends and don't waste any time because you will be dying to get it back when you are waist deep in finals week.

Another word of advice I have is to attend class. I know it sounds silly but people get too caught up and think it's okay to skip just because they don't take attendance. This can be absolutely detrimental to your grade because once you skip once and get a taste of freedom, you want to keep doing it and then your grades slip. You are ultimately going to college and PAYING for an education so why waste it? Also, make friends on your freshman floor because those are the people that will be your first friends at college. Those are the people you may see in passing or end up having a class with senior year or even end up living with in years to come!

College is an amazing experience and a really fun one too so don't be too intimidated! It may be overwhelming at first but I promise you you will adjust to your new routine. Getting involved is so important as well so no matter what that is (clubs, Greek life, sports) make sure you are apart of something because that is also how you meet people! I wish you all the best of luck in your upcoming college career and have faith you will all do amazing!

Don't stress too much, everything will work out.