As the semester comes to a conclusion and finals are finally over, we look forward to a new year and a new semester. A Fresh Start—that is what we all need. 

If you didn’t get the GPA you wanted this semester or you feel like you could have gone out a little more, never fear the new semester is here!    

There may be many new changes ahead, whether you are a freshman excited to have one semester under your belt, or a senior preparing for a real world job. We all have things we might want to do differently this semester. Let me give you all some advice: 

Don’t hold back. My life motto is “live the life you want to live.” If you want to get a 4.0 this semester, then hit the books and get it done. If you want to try something new, then join a club or start a hobby. If you want to study abroad, then do it.   

Be open to new relationships. I know we get stuck in our old habits, hanging out with the same people, who are awesome, but there is a whole school of people you haven’t met yet, branch out. Say hi to someone in line at the union. Who knows this person could become your best friend? If you think that guy in your biochem class is cute, then spark up a conversation. Even if you are a graduating senior there is always time to make new friends, it may even lead to a networking opportunity.   

Do something you never thought you would do. There are so many opportunities at Ohio State, take advantage of them. Take a class like volleyball or skydiving—yes, Ohio State does have a skydiving class. If you always wanted to run a half marathon, pick one to do and start training. Explore Columbus. This city has so much to offer, break out of the humdrum of campus life and go to an art gallery or try out a new restaurant.   

Go to PCB for spring break.  And have the best week of your life. This is a chance to be around a bunch of people your age and let loose. If you want to go even bigger come to Cancun with me! It will be a blast and I can’t wait!   

Finally, find yourself. I know this is kind of cliché to say, but college is when you get to be on your own for the first time and it is important that we take advantage of this. If you are only in a certain major because your parents or other relatives told you to, reflect and decide if this is really what you want to do, because when it comes down to it, it’s your life. Try out a class that you have interest in and figure out if that may be the right path for you. Do something you enjoy, this will make you actually want to go to class, and the high GPA will follow.  

I want you all to have fun this semester and embrace Ohio State as the great school it really is. Take a deep breath and step into the New Year with confidence and a great attitude and you will be on your way to one of the best years of your life!