College. The "time of our lives". The place where we find ourselves and become career men and women and "figure it out". I have always been told that high school and college will be the most important years of my life and to make the most of what's ahead of me. I have also been told to "take all the opportunities I have offered to you" but also "don't get too involved you'll get overwhelmed". If there's one thing I've learned within my first month at SHU it would be don't be afraid to be yourself and do whatever it is that makes you happy. Being at a school with the world at your fingertips make it so much easier to over involve yourself, under involve yourself, do absolutely nothing and love every second of it, or take every single opportunity thrown your way and live in the moment. So here's my advice to any person worried about how to find themselves or "figure it out": just be you, just be SHU.

If you're an athlete who loves to spend every second you can pushing yourself and your body to the next extreme, go for it. Enjoy the thrill you get from reaching a new personal record and being part of a team, a family. You have an entire student body cheering you on. We are all Pioneers.

If you're a brainiac who gets excited about research articles explaining the newest giant exoplanets discovered in our solar system. Enjoy it because you are going to change the world one day. You are a Pioneer, you are appreciated.

If you're a nursing major who is now banging their head against a wall because Anatomy is making you question life itself, persevere it will be worth it. You have a school full peers in red scrubs that have been through it too to support you. They are all Pioneers, you are a Pioneer.

If you're a part of band know that your game day songs and performances make us all feel a little bit more at home. You are all Pioneers, we are the Pioneers.

If you're a part of Greek Life who loves to make memories with your sisters or brothers and make a difference through a philanthropy while you "throw what you know". You all embody what it means to be a family, which is what SHU is all about. Pioneers are family, we are Pioneers.

If you're a campus ambassador thank you for showing everyone else what a great place we have to call home and for representing SHU. You're a Pioneer with a purpose.

If you just love to lay in bed and watch Netflix after grabbing some of Linda's bomb fries, don't think you're not appreciated. You remind us that its good to actually unwind and relax because in the end we all need mental health breaks. It's not easy being a college student but SHU makes it a little more enjoyable. Pioneers can relax too.

If you're a cheerleader who gets dolled up on game days to chant and make sure we all show some enthusiasm, be peppy, be proud. We all are proud to be a Pioneer so don't be afraid to make us show it. We got Pioneer Pride and we know it.

No matter what you are, who you are, or if you still haven't figured that all out. Know that you are at least one thing: a Pioneer. That's the best thing you can be here at Sacred Heart. So while you're busy figuring it out and finding yourself throughout college just remember, don't be afraid to be SHU.