Dear freshman,

Welcome to college. You made it.
You got through high school, and now are on your way to changing your life. That is a huge accomplishment, and something that you should never forget. I remember five years ago when I found out that I got accepted into Centenary. I knew when I first found the school online that this is where I belonged, and I was ecstatic to see that they wanted me here just as much as I wanted to be there. College is a lot harder though than I had originally thought it was going to be though, and I am grateful for the challenges that I am continuously presented with.

College is definitely a place where your thoughts, your character, and your convictions are put to the test. It is supposed to be like that. It is not supposed to be easy by any measure, and I believe that sometimes they make things uncomfortable on purpose. What you may ask, is the purpose for us to be uncomfortable?
That is a fair question. I believe that as freshmen learning to be uncomfortable is a great experience because it is in those times that we grow as human beings both socially and mentally. Escaping or trying to circumvent these uncomfortable moments, I believe, will you do you a disservice in the long run. You need to actively day in and day out challenge yourself to see how others think and why they act a certain way. Through this inspection you begin to understand the community around yourself.

Centenary is a liberal arts college, which means that the approach to education is a little different than the standard education found at a large, state university. Here you will be challenged in a multitude of disciplines ranging from your chosen major to courses that are nowhere close to that major. The goal? Simply, to make you a well rounded individual, a Renaissance man or woman if you would, that can actively engage with the dynamic world that surrounds us. You won’t find that approach in many colleges, so Centenary just on that principle alone is a little special.

Take every chance you get to be involved in groups on campus. Trust me, it is the quickest way to make new friends, and create opportunities for you to make an impact on campus. Centenary offers a wide arrange of things: Greek Life, intermural sports, a comedy group, theatre, etc. The options are endless. You just have to seize the day. I know that getting yourself out there in a place that you are unfamiliar with is a daunting task to request, but I know you will thank me for it in the long run. I too had that problem as I came from Alaska, and had no idea about how anything worked here in Louisiana. It was through the groups that I joined, and the friendships that I made in those groups that I learned how I could make an impact here on campus and in the community. I know you can do the same.

Lastly, enjoy the time here in undergraduate while you still have it. Make time for adventures with friends, activities, and open time. I know it seems counterintuitive to say, but being able to relax and have fun in college is just as important as keeping your head in the books. You are going to do great things, but do not try to rush greatness. Enjoy the ride, take in the scenery, and the greatness will come. Enjoy college.