A huge congratulations to the Robert E. Lee Class of 2016. You, like many before you, have walked the stage and are entering a period of your life that will be ever changing. For those of you Lee, NESA, and STEM grads going off to college, I have dedicated this article to you. You might not understand yet, but just being a Vol has set you one step ahead of your peers who are also entering college. You know what stress is, have dealt with many kinds of people, and you understand the true meaning of family.

Stress is something every Vol has felt at one point or another. Whether it be a NESA or Allied Campus production, some crazy STEM class or clinching a win at the game (Yes I'm talking about that football game against Mac), you'll be well prepared for the stresses of college. You'll be well suited for all running off of 4 hours of sleep. You already understand the love-hate relationship of group projects and all of you are well prepared for college exams. Oh, and most of you already have an existing history with caffeine.

You're going to come across a few people in college that grew up in some small town where they've only seen a Hispanic American or a Muslim American on the television. Luckily for you Vols, you have met people from almost every continent. You're going to come multitudes of people who have only watched MSNBC or Fox News their entire life. Lee Vols experience a variety of political beliefs and are well trained in how to have a civil conversation with someone who has differing beliefs and ideals.

Every Vol knows the meaning of family. You're a Vol through the good, the bad, and the ugly. You're a Vol whether we beat Churchill or not. You're a Vol when you hear "Mr. Cool-V-Ayyyee." You're a Vol when you watch LeeTV. You're a Vol from the minute you set foot on campus. You're a Vol because the Robert E. Lee Volunteers are a family.

Go on into the world Class of 2016. Go on to Texas Tech, UT, Texas State, A&M, NYU, and many more. Go on and remember, "Nothing's stronger than the heart of a Volunteer."