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To high school me: College isn't scary. Think of it as an extended camp with classes. You study and make sure you keep your grades up, but you will have time to be involved in any organization you want. Try new things. College organizations and students are open and willing to help you, so don't be nervous and shy like I know you can be. There will be times when the dining hall is completely full and you might have to sit with someone you have never met: don't be shy. Talk to them. Everyone there has gone through that or will and understands. You never know who you will meet. Make connections and network with people. It can give you the upperhand with classes or organizations or maybe some outside interest such as hobbies. You won't always get along with your roommate. Always talk things out with her. She becomes your sister. You will know each other inside out, and that is not someone you want to end up not speaking to. To sum my advice up: be yourself and try new things. Work hard, but also know how to play hard. Best, College you

I would remind myself that one bad test grade does not determine my future, a few good friends are better than a crowd of lousy ones, and the only thing you can plan on is having a change of plans. As confident as you are in high school, college seems like it's made to shake that confidence. Let it! Allow yourself to learn from your mistakes and develop a great sense of humility. What seems like failure is simply a way to guide you to what you're naturally meant to do. Work hard and reward yourself but most of all, remember that you are capable of accomplishing great things. These four years help you figure out who you are in the most confusing, frustrating, and amazing way if you let them.

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Dear High School Me, You're about to head to college! Considering that we had a tough time with this transition the first time around, here are some things I wish you would've known: 1. You are only as small as you allow yourself to be. Don't be afraid to raise your hand in class. Don't trick yourself into believing everyone is "smarter" than you. It doesn't matter who can answer a question quick on their feet. These students are your comrades, your shoulder to cry on, your future friends. Instead of feeling small, realize this: You're as big as you dream you can be. Go big. 2. Don't let a boy (or anyone for that matter) to dictate your decisions. If you want to go out for a play, learn that monologue! If you want to try out for a position on the recreational soccer team, lace up those cleats! College is meant for new experiences. Experience them. 3. Finally, stay away from the baked tilapia in the dining hall. It's nothing like Grandma's. With love, Your Future Self

Don't settle for the first people you meet as a base of friendship. I latched onto the first grouop of people that accepted me and we naturally grew apart over the course of 5 years. I would tell myself that it's ok to grow apart from people. It makes you grow as a person.

I would tell myself to breathe. Don't worry about about changing your major or dropping classes. You have to do what you have to do. Don't let one class stress you out to the point that you question dropping out. College is worth the struggle and after your first semster of adjusting you will be fine. Don't let your parents determine what classes you take, do what makes you happy. You are the one getting the education so find a major that you enjoy and that doesn't stress you out constantly. Life is too short to worry. Also, read your textbooks and go to office hours when you are falling behind. It's useful and don't be ashamed that you don't understand because there will be 300 other classmates that are waiting for you to ask that question in class.

I tossed and turned all night as I thought, “This place is not my home.” My bed was 5 feet off the ground hovering over my mini fridge and freshly unpacked clothes, it was hot, and there was another person sleeping right across from me. My first night of college was brutal to say the least. Anticipation of what was to come whirled around in my mind at 100 miles per hour. I never thought that this place would become home, that I would build long lasting friendships, nor did I ever think I would even pass my classes. It seemed as if all of these fears were inevitably certain to materialize. As I look back on first semester, not a single one of those worries came true. So what is my advice to you? Take your time; there is no rush to figure your entire life out in one day. Always remember to set your alarm, know that it is okay to walk alone, don’t forget to wash your sheets, and its okay to mess up sometimes. Stay true to yourself and know that the intimidating mountains in front of you will soon become small in retrospect.

Abigail, you did a lot of stuff right! But you also did a lot of it wrong, and made many mistakes. You should have enjoyed yourself a little more, while you had your parents to worry about all of the "adult" stuff. You should have taken more electives that interested you, rather than things that were "career-oriented" because you have time for that in college. I wish you had been a risk taker, and stuck up for yourself more rather than being docile and "peace-keeping" to a fault. You love history and contemporary issues, so don't feel bad when you struggle in math or science! You don't have to be good at everything. Your JV tennis career will be a frustrating and bitter disappointment, but that's okay. Learn to just play for fun, and don't let the pressure and competition make you hate something that you love. Try to be nicer to people in general- you never know if they have something going on in their lives causing them to be mean to you. Finally, always keep a good relationship with your parents- they love you very much.

Growing up, I was a perfectionist. Failures would tear me apart making me feel unworthy of all my previous accomplishments. I thought to myself that I would never again accomplish anything successfully. Unsurprisingly, that mind set led me to have high levels of stress throughout middle and high school, which in turn made the already difficult process of growing up, balancing academic and extracurricular activities, and having a social life extremely challenging. Perfectionism was a false friend that seemed to urge me to succeed but led me to sacrifice my mental health. Finally in my senior year of high school, I was overloaded searching for scholarships and colleges and completing coursework and leading clubs. I snapped. After a mental breakdown, a night of crying, and a mother-daughter talk, I realized this wasn't healthy, and it needed to stop; unfortunately, I realized it too late. Those hours spent towards perfection were taken from times I should have slept and ate. I was fatigued and became anemic. My struggles created my present happy, healthy, successful self, but I wish I could have saved myself some trouble. To my younger self, relax. You are much better than you think.

I would tell myself that studying and going to class should be top priority over everything. Striving for excellence over popularity is the most important thing you can do; never be afraid to ask for help either!