I would like to begin this article with a line from Robert Herrick's

"To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time"

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.

The poem deals with the theme of carpe diem, which is Latin for "seize the day", a popular saying that has gone through several iterations over the course of human history.

If you've gotten to this point, you're probably wondering why I'm going on about a poem that's nearly 400 years old.

I'll tell you why: as a recent graduate, I feel like I've wasted my time at university.

When I say I feel like I've wasted my time, it doesn't have to do with academics but rather in the vein of extracurricular activities and campus involvement.

I wasn't really involved in any sort of clubs and I really didn't go out of my way to become the head of any campus organizations. I did a couple of things, but they didn't really amount to anything spectacular.

I did my work and made friends, but I went through my four years in a sort of haze of apathy where I only cared about graduating.

I don't regret my time at school, but I definitely would've done it differently if given the chance.

That is why I urge you, incoming Freshman, to take advantage of all that your school has to offer.

Join clubs and organizations that you're interested in or think would be cool to be a part of. Seek out leadership opportunities on campus and make your voice heard. Make connections with not only your campus but within your community as well. Go out and volunteer at local organizations and give back to your community. Go out and represent your university within the community to let people know that you care.

A university may be a place of higher learning, but it's also a place where we build community.

I guess what I'm saying is this: don't allow yourself to fall into apathy like I did.

Go out and make a name for yourself in college.

Go out and experience new things and meet new people.

But, remember to do your work and study hard!

You're allowed to fail a class, but don't let it become a habit. Also, C's may get degrees but they don't get you a cum laude attached to your degree.

Go, my little birds. Go and be free.