When I was young, I saw college as this esteemed accomplishment where you go to pursue a dream of academic success. I thought all I would do is study, and then be the first female president. Boy, was I stupid.

I sit here typing this with blue stars on my hands and a pounding headache, constantly reminding me I hit the bars a little too hard last night (sorry, Mom). But I can’t sit here and tell you all a lie. It was definitely a night for the books.

I’m not telling you this to brag about how fun college is or anything (you already know), but there is so much more to college than anyone could expect. College isn’t just about earning grades. You learn about yourself. It’s your chance to explore the world and toy with different ideas. You can experiment with a whole new way of life, mess up, and then completely change yourself the next day without anyone batting an eye.

I wish someone had told me this when I was younger, so I figured I’ll tell you now before it’s too late. School is for fools. You can always retake a class, but you can never repeat a night out with your friends. Life is too short to stay isolated in your lofted dorm bed, no matter who soft your mattress topper might be. Go out and live! Otherwise you might look back on your life and regret not taking the stupid chances that college offers you. 

What happens if you go to a cocktail party and you have no cool stories to impress your friend? That’s okay. If you stay in all the time, then you probably don’t have friends anyways. Okay, that might be a little too far, and I’m kidding, but take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves to you. I promise you will learn more about life by going out and experiencing first hand than from a computer screen.

So why are you still here reading this? Put that book down, and go make stupid mistakes and memories that you will never forget.