Dear Freshman,

I know you all too well. Four short years ago I was in your place. I was getting ready to go to college and experience a whole new life for four years. Just like you I was excited to gain some freedom in my life. I was excited to join a new team and play the sport I love. I was excited to go to parties and experience what the college social life was about. I was excited to live the college life you see on television shows and movies. I was anxious about living with a roommate I had never met and showering in community showers. Now, three years later, as I get ready to head into my senior year I've realized that my life the past few years has been everything but what I expected and with that, I want to offer some advice.

The honest truth is that the reality of college isn't always just like what you see in the movies. College is hard work and it's stressful. If you don't take it seriously you may find your grades dropping and you may find yourself running into dangerous behaviors. You may go to school and not like the unfamiliarity of the place and the people. You might decide to go home every weekend you can to be with your family because you're homesick. This is normal. This happens to a lot of people. This happened to me. My freshman year I spent a lot of time at parties and making less than sound decisions. My grades dropped a little and there were a few emails and phone calls exchanged with my mom about how to deal with it. In all honesty, I wasn't sure if college was the place for me. Softball saved me my freshman year. Building relationships with a new team and trying to find my place on the team was challenging but the competition and the opportunity to participate in collegiate athletics made my year better. So, if you're planning on playing sports, stick it out. Don't quit because of playing time or tough practices. Give it at least a one year try.

My sophomore year was completely different. I joined clubs and organizations. I got a few on campus jobs and I reached out to other people. I made an effort to experience Defiance College and all it had to offer. I did service with other students outside of my team. I became an orientation leader and an ambassador to show other students Defiance College. I sought out leadership opportunities in the student-athlete advisory committee. I got away from partying so much and spent a little more time focusing on my studying and my homework. I got a 4.0 that whole year. For these reasons I urge you to go outside of your comfort zone. College isn't about partying. It's about getting a degree and experiencing everything you can during that process. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy a good house party or bar but what I enjoy more is growing as a person and setting myself up for success in the future by using the opportunities I have at school to learn new things and become more well-rounded. I have gained so many friends in the past two years by staying on campus on the weekends or by going to campus events that I may have said were "lame" and overall, my life has changed.

Because of the decisions I made to take advantage of what college truly is about I can honestly say these past three years and one to come are the best four years of my life. Without a doubt I will have no regrets when I graduate and I know that I have built up a resume that goes deeper than beer pong champion. As you go off to your schools in the fall make an effort to join the clubs and organizations you want, make new friends, and go to the parties. Spend time in the library, seek out tutors and mentors for your studying, and take advantage of the resources on your campus. Be a freshman that when you are in my shoes you can look back and be extremely proud of what you've accomplished besides getting that diploma.

Best of luck this fall and in the four years to come!