Dear 17-year-old Ezra,

Welcome to college! For the first time in your life you have complete control over how the rest of your life plays out. I'm excited to present you with a quick list I hope you can refer to over the next four years. I hope it helps, good luck and enjoy the ride!

1. Embrace the Silence

When I waved goodbye to my parents after they helped me move in freshman year I think they really believed I was ok (sorry, Mom). I'm a first generation college student, what do I know? Sure, it was exciting, absolutely! But after the first night in the creaky old dorms reality sat in well, very very well. (Also, be thankful for that funny roommate of yours too, and DO NOT touch his pop-tarts, he might actually kill you.) Ezra, you're about to spend some time alone. In the same regard, you're about to make some amazing, lifelong friends, but in between these moments you'll find yourself in solitude. Learn to embrace it, find yourself, go see what you value and remember it's ok. Solitude isn't bad. I promise you'll make friends, just enjoy the ride and the silence it sometimes brings.

2. Risk vs. You

Ezra, I can recall a few times in my college career where I now say, "Man, I wish I would've done it." "It" being a lot of different things. Do not be that guy with regrets like that because the thing about this is, they're tiny, annoying regrets. Regrets that slowly bubble into massive thoughts of "what could've been." This is your moment and this is your life. Be risky and remember what Drake said back in 2011. ;)

3. The Magic Restart Button

Here it is, your clean slate. This is what you wished and prayed for. As you embark on this journey set before you, Ezra, remember that no one here knows you and first impressions are everything. Your reputation is valuable and it can be tarnished with a couple of simple mistakes. Don't be arrogant and say you, "Don’t care what people think." Yes, you do, or you wouldn't mention your concerns about other people's opinion of you in the first place. Respect everyone and be genuine.

4. Alternative Sleep Schedules

I know you thought you could do those 8 a.m. classes because you did them in high school, but after your first semester you're going, well you know what? I'll just let this one play out. Keep thinking those 8 a.m.'s are going to be good idea, haha! As for the lesson, don't try to fight the naps. Sleep when you can, even if it's on the couch at the library. Get you a pair of nice headphones and some comfy sweats, too. You're about to transform into an incredibly productive night owl, my man!

5. Pick a Card, Any Card

In the coming weeks you're going to be tempted to do the "normal" college things on the weekends. For the first time in your life no one has control over you. You're a free bird and have complete control over what decisions you do or do not make. One mistake could be the end of it all. Be very careful where you seek your approval from. God has a plan for you and I wish I could tell you more, but that's the beauty of it, that's how you're going to grow. Also, don't be nervous or shy and go #RushBYX. It'll be one of the best decisions you ever make.

6. Rejection is Inevitable

I hate to say it, but it's coming. Failure. Is. Coming. I know you're going to strive to do the best in all of your classes. You're going to try to make every good and morally positive choice you can. You're going to want to uphold a respectable reputation. I'm really sorry to burst that positive, little "I'm a freshman, nothing bad will happen to me here," mentality, but it's coming. You're going to get rejected in so many forms. Internships, relationships, opportunities. You'll be shut down, but let the dismay strengthen your focus on areas where you are weak. Continue on, Ezra.

Best of luck,

21-year-old Ezra