To new freshmen, welcome, and to returning students, welcome back.

We all know how intimidating starting over can be. We’ve all done it before in high school, but college is a little different; there’s more people, more to think about and more freedom.

No one will be in charge of how you manage your time except you. We’ve all heard it before; it’s a part of growing up and learning what works best for ourselves is something time will tell.

If you’re new, or returning, and find yourself in the dark, remember why you came up here to the adventurous Upper Peninsula. We’re discoverers, seekers and creators. We’re not young forever, so this is our time to explore our identity and ultimately who we want to surround ourselves with.

Who are you? Maybe you belong in one of Superior Edge’s four groups: Citizenship, Diversity, Leadership or Real World. Or maybe you’d feel comfortable with clubs like Cherry Coke, Maple Tap or Cow Appreciation. Introvert or not, there are hundreds of clubs and organizations Northern has to offer, and new ones are being created all the time. If you don’t see yours, make one.

It’s good to make choices more sooner than later because as the semester drags on, motivation to meet new people and find opportunities may slip away.

Maybe you already know who you are and where you belong. Find others like you and be the one to reach out.

Sometimes it’s hard to reach out as communication has been distorted by social media and reality has been twisted. Summer was great, but eventually, Instagram and Twitter are just platforms meant to share an experience found on the outside.

Classrooms, lecture halls, dining areas, restaurants and dorms are all real and they require an attention from us that we’re often not used to and sometimes even afraid of.

The pressure of dropping out due to a lack of some kind of extracurricular involvement is on the rise, so it’s important to jump in, put the phone down and step out of our comfort zones.

Take one of your hobbies or interests and explore it. Find others and opportunities they can offer to build your future. If there’s any place to do this, it’s here and now. Once it’s over, it’s gone.