Dear 18-year-old Neely:
You have finished high school. A task that seemed very daunting a few short years ago. You are about to have an amazing summer and head off to college. Don't be shy. I know it's hard for you to be in a new place, but remember people will love you if you just show your smile and show them who you are. You've never really been away from home, and it will be really difficult for you. Don't go home too much, though. Stay at school on the weekends and make new friends. Go to football games, tailgates and parties. Enjoy that life! In 10 years you will miss it.
It's OK to break up with that boy. The one who was your high school boyfriend. You really shouldn't have a long-distance boyfriend your first semester of college. It will make you want to go home more and not go out and experience life. It's also OK to flirt with that cute guy in your English class. Nothing will come of it, but you two will become great friends and he will be one of the best parts of that year.
It's OK that you and your roommate do NOT get along. You are just two very different people. She will yell at you when you are on your computer or TV past 9 p.m. and yell at you when you are trying to get ready for class at 8 a.m. She's difficult. But fear not -- about six weeks into the first semester she will switch rooms with your suitemate, with whom you have become fast friends. You two are always together anyway, and even share a couple of the same classes. This girl will stay a huge part of your life for the next seven years. You will ride back to Dallas together every time you go home. You will share secrets and tears, and having her as your roommate will make that year so much better.
You will meet a boy when he comes to visit some of your friends at school. He goes to a different college eight hours away, but he will change your life. The problem is you have a boyfriend at home. Nope, not that one, a different one. Don't worry -- you and the boy from home will date for many years. However, that relationship finally ending will be one of the best things that has ever happened to you.
Stop eating doughnuts and Dr Pepper for breakfast. Just stop.
It's OK that you have no idea what to major in. Just because your friends all majored in Accounting doesn't mean that you have to just pick something.
Call your mom more. She misses you, and this is very hard for her.
Please GO TO CLASS and STUDY! You can't just "get by."
Also, stop wearing those Abercrombie graphic tees. They are NOT a cute look. Ditto for American Eagle and Hollister.
It's OK that you decided after a year and a half that that school wasn't the right place for you. You can move home, get an apartment, transfer schools, and still be OK.
The next few years will have many ups and downs, but they will mold and shape you into the amazing woman you are to become. You will have many road trips to Austin and Lubbock. Many nights spent driving around town with friends, eating McFlurries and complaining about boys. You will make a lot of mistakes. Mistakes are good, though.
Enjoy these last few years of being young and ridiculous. Adulthood is coming soon, and it brings with it a whole new world of crazy.
Love,
31-year-old Neely
P.S. Every time you feel like your heart is breaking, I promise, it will be worth it. Your future husband is an amazing guy!
This post originally appeared on It Starts With Coffee. Keep up with Neely on Twitter and Instagram.