Dear 18-year-old Me,

You are finally about to embark on your final year of college. I know what you are thinking; we had to take a victory lap? But it’s okay because being in college longer has taught you more about life than you could ever have imagined. If only I could go back and tell you all of this.

I want to start by saying that I am so proud of you for going away to college and starting a new life. I know it was difficult but you’ll find that it was so worth it.

As you go through your freshman year many changes happen. You will make new friends, be challenged in new ways and will find that there is so much more to life than what you thought in high school.

Make sure you go to all of your classes. You need those attendance points. You are so smart there is no reason for you to get a C in a class because you would rather sleep in than show up to a morning class. And while we are on the subject, do all of your homework! Don’t just blow off an assignment because you want to go to happy hour. You will realize that making good grades and keeping your Hope scholarship is so much more important.

Throughout your freshman year you will make so many new friends, but be careful for the fake ones. The gut feeling you have about some of these people is right. And the friend you think will be by your side forever will show her true colors soon enough. But that random roommate you were assigned ends up becoming more of a sister than just a friend.

Get involved! Start getting involved in your major from the start. Try out to be on the campus radio or apply to write for the school paper. Being involved from the start will really help you land jobs and internships later on. Do whatever you can to build your resume. Find ways to be involved in the school early on. You love lacrosse so start playing for the club team as soon as you hear about it. Not only is it fun but you will also learn it keeps you in shape and helps release stress.

Learn to manage your money from the start. You don’t need a new outfit every time you go out. You also don’t need to go out every night. Have fun but find cheaper ways to do so. Going to the bars every night seems like a good idea at 18 years old but you soon realize that it just gets expensive and boring. Find a hobby that you can actually continue through life.

Remember to call your grandparents. You don’t realize how limited of a time you have with them. When you’re home enjoy being with your family because you’ll blink and everything is different. Keep in touch with friends from high school. Spend your weekends exploring all of your new city and the surrounding areas. Tell people how you feel and hug those that are close to you.

Enjoy life. Have fun but keep your grades up. Don’t stress over the small problems. Find people that make you happy and help you grow as a person. And don’t ever let someone tell you that your dreams are not possible. If you work hard enough you will be surprised by how much you can accomplish.

Love,

22-year-old You

p.s. Four Loko and Fireball are not worth it!