To My Brother: How To Find Meaning At The Begining Of A Chapter
(Image courtesy of https://thegrindiemonster.wordpress.com/2012/05/02/i-love-college/ )
In 2009, Asher Roth released his collegiate anthem; I Love College. The song chronicles how Roth balances his academic workload with an active social life. While I am not endorsing passing out at three and waking up at ten, I want you to have a balanced life. This is an article I wished someone had written in the summer of 2015 while I was getting ready to go off to school.
(Video courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYx7YG0RsFY)
You are entering a brave new world. As a member of the class of 2026, you spent the majority of your high school experience attending school online. Instead of having a John Hughes high school experience, you had to work remotely and collaboratively on various assignments. Yet, this slight change of plans gave you unparalleled insights into how the "real world" operates. You will enter college knowing that "adults" are also making it up as they go. In addition, you evolved from digital native to the digital navigator as you help your family (especially me), friends, and the community with the latest updates in the STEM realm.
(Image courtesy of https://www.process.st/checklist/technology-essay/)
In August, you will move to a new place where 99.9% of current population would never have heard of you. You will be in classes where you are one of five hundred students trying to understand the importance of Western civilization or theories of physics. Your eyes will open to new ideas, experiences, and people. Freshman year will feel like learning to swim in open water instead of the kid pool. But, I want to let you in on a secret.
(Image courtesy of Media from Wix)
During my freshman fall, dad repeatedly told me that Rome wasn't built in a day. I later learned that Rome was built over centuries before it reached its greatest length during the reign of Emperor Trajan. The purpose of freshman year is to learn your building materials. Once you understand your stones (academics) and tools (your social life), you can begin to build a life for yourself. I will quote one my great friends, Scott, when he said " When you go into a new chapter, have a mind open to all possibilities and keep your ears and ears open for opportunity."
(Image courtesy of Media from Wix)
I want you to be a champion not only of root beer pong but also of understanding the greatness of every day.
(Image courtesy of me)
