Sorry it has been so long, all. I am now back from my internship with renewed verve and focus on the important things in life: school, writing, dance, and music. To each his own, those are just what's important to me.

That's something that's extremely important for students to figure out during their first year of college. Everyone has different values, desires, beliefs, and the like, and its important to know what yours are in order to grow and learn as well as respect those of others. College, more than anything, is a time of exploration: exploration of the world around oneself as well as their role in that world. What defines you in your world?

Part of this process begins with choosing a college. First of all, the setting is a crucial factor to determining whether it is the best place for you to explore yourself. For example, if your religion is a major part of your journey, it may not be ideal to choose a college in an area that centers around one belief system that does not jive with yours. Also student who prides themselves on their study habits and prefers quiet nights will not feel very comfortable and able to be themselves on the campus of a top five party school.

College isn't only about academics, no matter what your parents try to tell you. College is a major venture in life that defines us all as adults, separating us from childhood. My advice here is to use the time as best you can and explore anything and everything that is of interest. Get involved in clubs, play sports, party with different crowds, become a part of Greek life. Do what you need to do to feel happy, and become the person you will be for the rest of your life. Oh and while you're at it, don't forget to finish your homework. lol