We will never forget our freshman year at college. In general it is a time filled with anticipation, some anxiety, and wonderful discoveries.

College is much different than high school. You may decide to commute from your home to a local campus. Without doubt, the most dramatic freshman year is for those living away from home. What can we expect as we head off into the wonderful world of higher education?

The first thing I notice is the workload. It is heavier and more intense than I ever experienced before. The major challenges of college work are large volume of reading, short deadlines, and “endless” writing. A related effect that can be brought on by the workload is doubt, frustration, and loneliness if possible.

On some of those long, seemingly endless nights of studying and writing, it will be very natural for me to long for fine old days. Hang in there. These down periods will pass.

I have made a lot of new friends. I am sure college friendships will be among the most satisfying and long-term in my life. It's always exciting to discover how wonderfully diverse college relationships can be.

I am enjoying my newfound freedom. Stay up until dawn talking about my ideals and ambitions with my dorm's regular bull session buddies. Sleep in until the afternoon on a light class day. Explore the local town or suburbs with one or two of my new friends.

I even start to think about my future. Going to college is as much about finding out who am I as it is about getting the degree.