In just a few short weeks, I will conclude my four years at Nazareth College. I distinctly remember opening my acceptance letter, paying my deposit (with my own money, thank you very much), and finally beginning my journey to Nazareth. Looking back, these have been the best four years of my life, and I wouldn’t change any of it, but I do wish I could tell myself a few things before starting my first year of college.

1) Being independent is harder than it looks. Being in college brings a whole new level of independence and freedom that you’ve never known. For the first time in your life, you don’t have your parents right there telling you what to do and you don’t have high school teachers reminding you to do your homework and to study. It’s all up to you, and while that can be exciting, it can also be extremely frightening at times. Although I was scared when I was by myself for the first time, it made me a better me.

2) 8 a.m. classes are not a good idea if you’re not a morning person. I know you think that it will be easy going to class at 8 a.m. considering you went to school earlier than that your entire life, but trust me when I say that you will not want to get up early for class anymore. You actually get to choose your class times now — take advantage of that!

3) Don’t take your parent(s) for granted. There are going to be many, many times throughout the rest of your college years that you will wish you had them right by your side — trust me. Enjoy the time that you have with them now while you’re still living at home and make sure not to neglect them when you’re away at school.

4) You won’t stay friends with everyone from high school. And that’s perfectly fine. It’s okay to outgrow people. You will have a ton of new friends in college! Just don’t let your true high school friends slip away from you. It will take time to adjust to long distance friendships since you’re used to spending all day, everyday together but be sure to put in the extra effort; it will make your friendship that much stronger.

5) It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone. Never do anything that you’re not comfortable with, but it’s okay to make that jump sometimes and try something new. Sometimes the best memories are made that way! The great thing about Nazareth is that it is so easy to meet new friends. My freshman year, I was on an intramural volleyball team – despite the fact I am terrible at volleyball – and I made friendships that will last a lifetime! If I didn’t step out of my comfort zone and join the team, I never would have made those friendships.

6) Don’t forget who you are and where you came from. Many people come to college to put their high school years behind them and forget the small, little town that they grew up in. College is full of new experiences and while it is a time to redefine yourself, it is imperative that you don’t lose sight of who you really are because being you is what got you into college — don’t forget that.

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Read more wise words from our bloggers’ senior-year perspective here:

Advice to Seniors, From a Senior

Letter to My Senior High School Self