I had a thought as I was sitting at my desk today. It is something we all have pondered at some point. I was thinking about what I would say if I had the opportunity to go back in time and talk to my younger self. The thought was strange, but I gave it actual consideration and this is what I came up with:

To: Freshman Mason

From: Senior Mason

Go to classes –Trust me. This is something you need to get better at. I know it is hard to get up and be chipper on a cold and rainy day, nevermind trudge halfway across campus to sit in a cold classroom for what feels like the longest 50 minutes, and not to mention, it seems like a complete waste of your time, but do it. You will be amazed at what you learn by just sitting there listening. Go to class, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, take out a pen and write down some notes.

Study in between classes – Yet another school one, but you’ll thank me later. This is a time management one for you. I want you to utilize the precious time in between classes. That hour break in between should be spent looking over past notes, things to prepare for the next class, or that late homework you put off until the last minute. I bring this up now because I don’t want you to wait until your fourth year to realize how to manage time wisely.

Stay busy – Something I learned late was the value of staying busy. When you sleep until noon everyday (and I know you do), you do not need that late afternoon nap as well. Keep busy and do those errands you need done, read over some notes, or do some much-needed laundry. By keeping busy you will be and feel more productive and you need to learn it early.

Go out a lot – Yeah you read that correctly. I want you to go out and meet new people, do new things, and live life a little. Some of my greatest memories come from nights out with my friends. You will also learn so many things about life that you can’t read in a textbook or learn in a classroom while you’re out. Use this time to make great memories because you will be blown away by how fast it goes. Oh, and since you are me as a freshman, go to Rudy’s A LOT, and have a drink on me.

Budget better – Now after you do the tip I gave you above you will need to learn about this one. My advice here is just to be better at watching how fast you spend money and then don’t spend all of it. It hurts us both too because that last round you bought last night is the reason why I am having to make a sandwich today. Just save you and Mom the trouble and don’t up-size that order, or start that tab and budget better.

Don’t fret about the small things- I want you to know that you can relax a little during your time in college. Don’t let the small things in life get under your skin. Things like forgetting to set an alarm and showing up to class late, when you bring the wrong notebook or textbook to class, or when you accidentally overdraft on your account because some place is having great drink deals. Small matters like that are not worth you losing sanity over, I promise.

Stay in better shape –This is the hardest one on the list for you, I know. After all that running in High School, you just wanted to take a break for a while. Learn that it doesn’t have to be a big well-managed workout regimen, just go for a run or lift some weights; it won’t hurt you no matter what you tell yourself. Do it early so that you don’t get where I am, scraping every bit of fitness I have left just to give my all in an intramural game.

Say yes a lot more – I want you to learn to not let uncertainty blind you from opportunity. By saying yes to something you allow it to teach you something, and the world has so much to offer you. Say yes to that internship that will teach you invaluable work experience, say yes to that class that will have you pondering new ideas, and say yes to that impromptu trip with friends because down the road you will be more satisfied with how things play out.

Build your network –Trust yourself enough to take chances. Whenever you have an opportunity to shake a hand and meet somebody new I encourage you to do it. You are incredibly impacted by the web of people you surround yourself with, so work to make that network one of substance and motivation. Never stop advancing toward your goals; let those around you help when they can, and be sure to return the favor by being someone of dependable ethics for all in need.

Never miss a chance to make a memory –I cannot stress enough how important this one is to me. I want you to enjoy your time here at school by making the most of this limited time. Take every moment as it comes and be sure to be positive and adventurous in your thinking. Live on the edge a little bit because, to an extent, you don’t know where your limits are until you test them. Learn to take what life throws at you and use it for personal growth. Make every moment count and make as many memories as possible.

Have fun, be smart, and call home more.