Dear Freshmen,

I want to say welcome to the best years of your life at Tarleton State University, the best kept secret in Texas.

I hope that you fall in love with Tarleton, just as so many did before you. I know that most of you have already started on your Tarleton journey at Duck Camp and now Transition week and I'm sure TSU is already finding it's own special place in your heart. Continue to let that place in your heart grow.

I hope that you make the most out of each experience. Step out of your comfort zone and make connections with your new Tarleton family. Throughout your week of transitioning and beyond that; make sure that you attend the events, make friends, be spontaneous and silly, and most of all have fun. When you allow yourself to open up you'll find that Tarleton and all the wonderful people in it become an important part of your life. Allow yourself to gain from all those freshmen experiences. During your time here you will learn so much, not just in class but throughout all that you do. Soak it all in.

I hope that you respect tradition. Tarleton prides itself on keeping tradition alive. I hope that you respect all of them and take part in all the traditions that make Tarleton the wonderful place that it is. At first it may seem overwhelming trying to remember everything. But you will learn quickly, and the traditions that others may see as odd become second nature to you.

I encourage you to get involved. There are tons of campus organizations to choose from; There's Greek life, spirit organizations like The Plowboys and Pankus, SGA, Tarleton Ambassadors, event planning groups like SWAT, club and intramural sports, and even quidditch. If you have the dedication to do so, you can even create your own organization. I am truly thankful for my time spent in my organizations and I, as well as many other Tarleton students, encourage everyone to get involved.

I hope that your see the importance of studying and attending class. We get it. You don't want to get up and get ready and sit through a lecture. But I can promise even more that you don't want to pay to take the same class 2 or 3 times. I never wanted to get up either, but I found when I did things went much smoother. Plus, there's actually a great deal of wonderful professors at Tarleton, who know how to make the lecture more fun and memorable.

Most of all I hope that you keep the Spirit of Tarleton alive. I pray that the flame you ignited when your Tarleton journey began continues to burn brightly as your love and passion for Tarleton continues to grow throughout the rest of your life.

Bleed Purple, Texans.