In life, we, as young, naive, and upcoming young adults are always told that there are no do-overs, no second chances. We are taught to believe that our lives are one big chain of events, so don’t screw it up the first time. This piece of advice couldn’t possibly be any less accurate. Why? Because thankfully for us, as incoming freshmen of the Baylor Class of 2020, this is our do-over.

While high school had its perks, we learned that it’s a cruel world. We were hurt, back-stabbed, let down and disappointed. But these hardships taught us how to deal with life and what it throws at us. It taught us how to get a paper typed in one night, to cram study for a test you had the next day, to pull all-nighters to finish a project and to procrastinate to no end. It taught us that you can’t trust everyone you meet, that people will turn on you, that not everyone always has your best interest in mind. But more importantly, it prepared us for college: our ultimate do-over. It allowed us an opportunity to learn what we should do and shouldn’t do, so that we can make our college experience the time of our lives. We are now equipped to leave our old ways behind, and form a new identity—to take everything that we learned in high school and put it to good use, and here’s how:

1. No College Reputation: Whether you were the most hated person in the halls of your high school, or among the populars, the well-liked, the people that everyone looked up to, I have news for you: you have no reputation in college yet. Aside from the few people you may know coming to Baylor, nobody knows who you are or what you are about. Frankly, this is what I find most exciting about entering the college world. You now have the chance to be who you want to be, to act how you want to act, to change your identity. Perhaps you fell victim to being the mean-girl, the jerk or the big-headed jock. Well, guess what? You can change that. This is your chance to turn things around and be known for the better. So don’t be afraid to let loose and be who you want to be.

2. Get Involved: If you’re anything like me, staying in your dorm and watching Netflix probably sounds more appealing than a social event, a party, etc. However, as introverted as you may be, this is a one-way ticket to failing to maximize your college experience. Get out of your comfort zone, try things that you’ve never tried, and do things that you’ve never done, while you still have a chance. In all honesty, college is our last stage of life before becoming full-on adults with real responsibilities. These years are the prime of our lives, so we ought to make the best of them. And who knows, by venturing out of your typical routines, you could meet your future best friend, fall in love with a new hobby or become acquainted with a world that you never knew.

3. Know Your Limits: Yes, I am advocating fun, the time of your life even. But know the difference between healthy fun and unhealthy fun. If it’s illegal, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. If it puts you or someone else at risk, you probably shouldn’t be doing it. If it’s something that your parents, professors or family wouldn’t be proud of, then you probably shouldn’t be doing it. We are students of the greatest university in the world—let’s not bring shame or dishonor to it. And most importantly, let’s not bring shame and dishonor to ourselves. If we truly respect ourselves, we will do things that will help us grow, and things that will build ourselves up, as opposed to tearing ourselves down.

And finally…

4. Be Ambassadors For Christ: I know that not everyone reading this may be a Christian, and that is OK. You can disregard my last bullet point. But Matthew 28:19-20 states: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” If you let one verse guide you through your college year, let it be this one. Our actions and behaviors should reflect those of Christ. And in doing that, we will have more of an impact than you could ever know. The Bible says that people will know us by our fruits. In striving to be Christ-like alone, we will set ourselves apart and be different. People will wonder what is behind the radiant light that fills us—and that is when we will have the chance to tell them about the gospel, to share about our savior, Jesus Christ.

So I said all of that to say this:

I wish each and every one of you the very best in college, and I pray that you all may go out to be successful, prosperous and happy — that you become the people you’ve always wanted to be. You are all perfect in your own way, so don’t ever change for anything or anyone. And most of all: don't be afraid to B-U.