Dear Armando,

Tomorrow you start college and it will be okay! You are going to make friends; every incoming freshman does. Don’t stress about not knowing anyone – no one knows anyone. Tomorrow you will walk into orientation and meet some amazing people. The “Squad” that you will gradually form over the next few weeks will stick with you for the rest of your life. You’ll meet your best friend, you’ll meet your confidant, you’ll meet some of the best women your life has every thrown your way and they will give you some advice – heed it. The friends you meet this coming week are root material and will help grow your tree.

Join clubs! Get involved! Rush Lambda Chi, they are new on campus and the guys you meet are some of the most respectful, and intelligent men our generation has to offer. Take risks! Talk to everyone and anyone who looks your way, you will meet some of the nicest people that way.

Take classes that challenge you! The first semester is already picked (you’ll enjoy those classes though) but next semester the world is open to whatever you want; make it worth your time. If the class sounds interesting and rate my professor says your instructor is good, take it! Oh, and make sure to read before class it will help, I promise.

Mando, The University of Tampa is going to be full of new experiences and fun times. Join clubs, study, make friends, go ahead, stay on campus until 3 a.m. with your friends, you parents will forgive you. Mom and dad want you to have fun in college too. Don’t forget to update your mom on where you are at it is important she knows you are safe at all hours of the day. Take everything with a grain of salt and experience everything that you can. The next year is going to be the best experience of your life!

Sincerely,

Armando