Dear Future Residents,

When your parents drop you off at your residence hall, let them be your parents one last time. They will ask dumb questions. They will talk to people they don’t know. Your dad might even crack a dad joke or two. They will embarrass you to no end on move-in day. This will be the last time they will ever be able to do this. Let them.

When your mom offers to make your bed, let her. It might not be done exactly the way you want, but for the past eighteen years she has taken care of you. When you were sick, she was there. When you wanted something to eat, she was there. Let her make your bed. When your dad offers to carry your stuff in, let him. For the past eighteen years he has carried your stuff. He has gone to your little league games. Let him be there for you today.

They have gone from doing everything for you, to grasping at straws to do anything for you. For them it feels like it happened overnight. It's hard. Let them do what they can today. They love you. Let them show it. Their baby just grew up in the blink of an eye.

When they leave, hug them. Tell them thank you and you love them. They need to hear it. They are about to go home to a house that will not have you in it for the first time in eighteen years. They knew this day was coming but they are not going to be ready. Spend the extra time saying goodbye.

Nobody is going to care about your “embarrassing” parents, except you. They will be busy worrying about their own. Give yours some grace on this day.

When you are all alone in your dorm room it will be everything and nothing like you have imagined all at the exact same time. You will feel alone and scared. You may even be wondering if you made the right choice.

When that thought crosses your mind, go knock on the door across the hall and introduce yourself.

I'm serious. Go do it. The person on the other side of the hall is just like you. Too scared to come out but desperately needing a friend. They are wondering the same thing, "Do I even belong here?" Be that friend. You won't regret it and they won’t either. I promise. They are waiting for someone to come and tell them that they are not alone. Be that person.

College is for going to class, but it is my very firm belief that college is about meeting new people and doing new things. Start the day you move in. Do not waste one second of the incredible gift you have been given.

You will be an entirely different person the day you walk away from your Alma Mater than when you first stepped foot on its sidewalks. These next few years will be some of the best years of your life. Soak them up. Make some memories. Enjoy every minute.

Best Wishes,

A Senior Resident Assistant