Dear Freshman Peyton

I'm sitting here doing this the day before it's due even though I've had so much free time these last few weeks. (Don't get your hopes up. Free time will be few and far between these next few years.) Try to be different and don't procrastinate so much. It'll pay off, I promise.

To you, the shy 18-year-old who only knows one person on campus, you may feel like you know no one now, but let me tell you, just wait. You will meet the absolute best people at Auburn. People who push you, people who encourage you, ones who make you laugh, ones who are there when you've had the worst week and those who will celebrate the best. They will love you so well, so make sure you do the same.

You will jump out of your comfort zone so many times in the next four years, and for that, I'm so proud of you. Do it more. Do fun, last minute things. Go break into your friends' apartment at 3 a.m. and decorate it to celebrate them. If you just want a birthday cake for no reason, grab your friends and drive to every grocery store until you find what you want. Go to paint wars. Find friends who will go with you on last minute trips across the country. Learn to let loose on the dance floor (Sorry to tell you, but you still won't have rhythm. Who cares?!). Live 30 seconds away from your best friends. Eat at the Barbeque House more.

I guess I should mention school at least a little. You're going to change your major. Sorry, but PT school just isn't for you. And that's okay!! You will find a major that fits your personality (or at least everyone seems to think so) and one you will love. (Alright, I'll spoil it. SWITCH TO PR) The classes are full of writing assignments and group projects, and I know, you hate those things right now, but you'll learn to love them. Also, you're going to meet some of the best people in these classes. Major friends are cool.

Your internships will rock because of people like this.

Now for the opportunities. Don't doubt yourself and think you're not good enough or creative enough. Apply for that internship and just wait to see how much you'll learn from it. Nothing is too far fetched!

And if you think you love Auburn now, just wait! Four years later, this place is home. Also, November 30th. Just wait. (Heads up, don't fret. Nick Marshall doesn't cross the line of scrimmage when he throws the ball to Sammie Coates so don't stress too much. And when Nick Saban asks for one more second to be put on the board, you can cheer instead of boo and cry.)

College did the best thing for you. It helped you break out of your shell, and what a blessing that was. Even through the four years at Auburn, things will change. Friend groups will change, your personality will flourish, the things that seem important will be different, and it's all for the best. The people you meet freshman year will still be important to you senior year, and it'll take some time to meet some of the most important people in your life. Timing is weird but trust it.

As I think through each of these things, I had nothing to do with how any of them worked out. Trust the Lord, His timing, His plans. What a blessing these four years will be.

You're going to do great, Peyton. Enjoy it. Every. Single. Second.

War Eagle forever,

A soon-to-be graduating Peyton