Two years ago at one in the morning on a Thursday, I looked around the room in our student union, sleepy-eyed with seemingly 597 things left on my to-do list for the next day. I was an intern surrounded by some of K-State's most honorable student leaders at a Student Government meeting, listening to the Senior Senators give their final speeches before they would go off and graduate in a few weeks, a time that once seemed so far off but is creeping closer and closer with each blink of my eyes. I didn't care that I was busy; I longed to hear what my mentors had to say.

Side note - I've always been a sucker for inspirational quotes and emotional writing. This being said, I was in my element. Even in the wee hours of the morning, I can remember taking, embarrassingly, four pages of notes on what the seniors said, remembering their every word and taking to heart the advice they gave us.

In her speech, one of my mentors left us with this advice:

"Say yes, and figure the rest out later."

As I sloppily scribbled down this quote before I would forget it, I remember thinking how much those words had the ability to impact my future at K-State and, quite honestly, the rest of my life.

Say "yes" to that job you've been debating on taking that would improve your skills for future career paths, even if it means you'll be a little more busy this semester.

Say "yes" to a leadership position that seems scary but will undeniably help you grow as a leader and person.

Say "yes" to a late-night food run with your best friends, even if you have an 8 a.m. class the next morning.

Say "yes" to the guy who keeps asking you on a date to get coffee. Give him a chance; you never know what could happen, right ladies? (I admittedly am not speaking from experience here, just giving a few examples of things we could all try saying yes to this year.)

Optimism, though some people see as being naive, I truly believe is one of the most impactful qualities one can possess. It's a beautiful thing to believe in yourself and those around you; and this optimism often leads us to say "yes", thus potentially changing our lives for the better.

And if you don't get the job, or you fail miserably at the position, you're a little tired in your morning class, or the date ends up being a total bust - hey, at least you experienced life to its fullest potential. You can always be proud of the courage you showed in taking a chance. What better time to grow and learn than in college?

"If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it."

Alright, friends. Who's with me? Let's make 2017 the year of yes.