It’s that time of year when everything comes to an end; bulletin boards are taken down, final grades are submitted and it’s finally time for the seniors to graduate! That joyous time of the year where you’re bittersweet about leaving and excited about leaving the place that gave you so many memories. With all that comes a lot of anxiety and overwhelming thoughts, which you need to always take care of. That really takes a toll on your mental health. Going into college is scary, but deep breaths, this is the start of a new chapter in your life.

Gabriela Peña, attending New York City College of Technology, graduate of Thomas Edison High School Class of 2017 said, “I think that my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t do well in college. I didn’t think I was good enough for college. I think that everyone is afraid of failing, but I tried to just give my best and believe in myself. When you get to college it’s easy to doubt yourself and everything you do in school, but trust yourself and the process. I don’t have any specific methods on how to get over your fears, just believe in yourself and give it your all, as cheesy as it sounds.”

All you need is a little hope and trust in yourself. Keep in mind that this is going to be the grown up world, you may even have people of all ages sitting next to you in class. Everyone is there for themself, they’re doing want they want to do. The transition will consist of different habits; mentally and healthy, different relationships; both personal and family, things are going to change depending on how you make it to be. Your parents are going to need to cut that umbilical cord! You’ll be able to make your own decisions, simple things like; classes, time for those classes, also that comes with a bit more freedom. Knowing how to manage yourself and your study habits as well.

Being on your own will help you prioritize what you need to do versus what you don’t. Being on top of your school work and worrying about other things later, that’s a priority.

“I felt like when I first started college, there was a lot of pressure to join clubs and get super social and involved right from the start, I decided not to do that and instead focus on my classes and grades. College classes are so different from high school and I knew I needed to adjust to it and get into a flow academically before joining clubs and this definitely helped, since I didn’t join a specific club I got to kind of see a little bit of everything the campus has because of the general events and not having to commit, and I also got used to college work and got my GPA up there with the Dean’s list honors!” said Joaly Burgos, attending Queens College, graduate of Thomas Edison High School Class of 2017.

Getting a feel of the environment around you could help you find a safe place along the way. Motivation comes from yourself and no one is responsible for anything but yourself. This is going to be you, studying towards something you want to pursue in the near future, you’ll have to take it seriously.

Having a planner and never forgetting due dates, taking efficient notes and maybe now they’ll allow a laptop unlike high school, it’ll be quicker. Setting specific and realistic goals throughout the school year to also keep you motivated, get to a point where there’s no procrastination in your life.

Staying hydrating and taking care of your physical health is important, don’t go too off track with eating quick things like ramen or hot pockets, take the time to make yourself a nutritious meal.

“Something I wish I did differently was manage my time better. College can be really fun if you don’t procrastinate. For next semester, my goal is honestly just to manage my time better, I feel like I made things more stressful for myself because of late night papers and cramming for exams. All the stuff they tell you in high school about doing a little at a time and not waiting for the night before to do something is true!” said Joaly Burgos, on advice to graduating seniors based on what she’d like to improve for sophomore year.