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Packing for college, from a five year olds point of view, would be as comforting as cleaning the room pretty much right when Mom suggests it get clean. From a 13 year olds perspective, it would be a warm, inviting thought, similar to studying for a big science test. But from the big-stuff 18 year old point of view? It's the end to the summer.

Picturing myself before an open bag that needs clothes, toothbrushes, deodorant, and various assortments of underwear, causes me to pause. Imagining my new room mates for a second, I can literally visualize the intimidating leer, as the diva, my new closest year-long friend, criticizes the contents of my luggage. So, as any normal red-blooded 18 year old girl, my first thought is 'shopping'. My second thought is startlingly faithful as it pops up screaming, 'money'. So I, still hypothetically picturing myself, would probably leave the bag sitting open, shoved behind my bed, until I could get the money to buy the items to pack the bag.

That thought process is the classic example of a chain-reaction. I'm not going to be a business-woman and say it all goes back to money, but I am going to say that it all goes back to being prepared. From needing a job, to getting the money, to finding the right merchandise at the right price, packing for college is a big deal. Which is why, packing the week before college is quite simply, hard.

You need to prepare ahead of time for that big day when you leave home, so you can say goodbye to your family without screaming mid-"I love you" that you forgot such-and-such life-altering thing at home. Preparing is not just a spur of the moment decision, neither is it a habit that will miraculously grow on you when get to college. It's a step-by-step process that, as a young child, you first begin the hard process of learning.

From cleaning a room when mom says (notice, not later), to studying for a science test before (note: not after), you and I were both being taught that when we get things done on time, things go easier for us. When we were little, procrastinating was just a really big word. Now, where college and the future will hold you and I responsible, it holds big meaning.

So what are some quick tips to not procrastinating? First, I'd have to say the thing that would help me, is write a list. Even just numbering your agenda, much like making yourself a schedule, or writing this paragraph, keeps things in order. Second, aim for punctuality. Set specific times for yourself when you want to get

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