A Little Helpful Advice and Encouragement for College Freshmen

I remember my first day of college like it was yesterday. I was completely terrified. I didn't know what to expect or what the journey would be like. If you are an incoming college freshman, you have probably had the same thoughts at some point.

I started school at ULL and was scared of being a small speck among the hundreds of students I passed every day. What helped me make it through were a few pieces of advice I picked up along the way.

Remind yourself every morning that you are loved.

There are so many people out there who love you and will always have complete faith in you. All you need to do love and believe in yourself.

When you feel like you are in it alone, your family will always have your back.

When it seems like you are walking around in this new stage of life all alone, your family never left you. They may seem to be miles away, but with one phone call, they will be the first ones to pick you right back up.

You have what it takes.

So you got a C on your first quiz. So what that you walked into the wrong classroom. That doesn't define you or your college career. It's simply a bump in a long but fun road.

Stay true to yourself.

You will make friends. Join clubs. Pledge a sorority or frat. But first, make sure you are comfortable in your own skin and know exactly who you are. You can have fun, but never lose sight of the person you are and what is most important to you.

Time has a way of working everything out in the end.

Right now, you are ready to pull your hair out. And I can't tell you that you won't feel like that tomorrow or next week. But I can promise you that, with time, this whole school thing will work itself out for the best.

The Lord has a bigger plan for you than you have for yourself.

This is actually a quote from on of my favorite movies 'A Walk to Remember.' It resonated with me over the years and has been a source of inspiration. You can want something for yourself so bad, but there will be a time and place for it. If it is supposed to happen for you, it will. Somewhere down the road, you will find that guiding light and know just what you need to be doing.

Now I am not sure if this helps at all, but it sure helped me to make it through. I never enjoyed being in school. Yes, I was one of those students. However, with love and support from my family, faith in myself and faith in the Lord, I made it through. It was no where close to being easy, but my college journey was well worth it.

Good luck to all of the incoming college freshmen and I wish you all the best!