Earlier today I found my myself driving down South Limestone, a street where many of my favorite college memories have taken place. While I was stopped at a red light, in front of Kennedey's Bookstore, I saw a herd of soon to be University of Kentucky freshmen walking down the street, SEE BLUE bags and t-shirts in hand. As I watched them I felt myself giggle as they eagerly moved down the sidewalk but not only did I laugh at them, I was extremely jealous of the four years and the year of "firsts" they are about to experience.

Now don't take giggling at them in the wrong light. The laugh was pure and perhaps my most unselfish thought as I watched them continue down the street. I could not help but sit in my car and laugh at everything they were about to experience, truly entering what will be the best time of their life. I could not help but feel smitten for them. I laughed at the thought of the first time they knocked on their floor-mates door, homesick but not willing to admit it. I laughed as I thought of them not knowing where to go on campus and the idea that much like the rest of us they'll never figure out how to properly get around Patterson Office Tower. I laughed at the thought of the first time they'll have an 8:00 a.m. lab after a Thursday night out. I laughed thinking of the nights they'll spend sitting in Willy T. I laughed because I know that through everything this challenging year for them will throw at them, they will be met with overbearing joy.

I smiled as I thought about the first time they experienced a tailgate, followed by being sad for them that they'll never experience the bowl in its true glory. I smiled as I thought of the first time they'll rush State Street after a big Cats win. I smiled as I thought of them walking home at 3:00 a.m. together, shoes in hand. I smiled at the thought of them trying their fake ID at Two Keys or Tin Roof and I smiled harder at the thought of them trying to get said ID back. I smiled as once again I realized they were about to begin what is sure to be the best journey of their life.

To the University of Kentucky class of 2020, have fun. You are about to begin four (or more) of the best years you will ever have. Kentucky can offer you the world if you will allow it. All of us who have already gone through what you are about to are jealous of you because this is one of the most exciting times you will ever have and we all wish we could do it all over again. Have fun, let your hair down and allow college to be the best thing you have ever done yet in life. College will be challenging no doubt but with the friends you are about to make by your side and the University of Kentucky having your back, you are about embark on one of the greatest adventures of your life.

Go Cats!