Dear Freshman,

A few weeks, or now months ago, you submitted that deposit to secure your spot as a Temple Owl. You may not know what being an Owl means yet, but you will. And believe me when I say that was the first life changing decision of your adult career. I'm not going to lie to you; Temple is going to be the most rewarding but also most terrifying experience of your life. You may be out of here in 3.5 years, or you may be here for six years, but either way you'll never be ready to leave Owl Country.

Right now you are going through orientation (or will be shortly). Take everything you can out of those days with your Owl Team Leader. Learn from them, grow from them, and for god's sake, listen to them. They will tell you secrets about campus you will forever be grateful for. You will learn the best food stops, study locations and party streets within the first day if you pay attention.

This place is your canvas, you can paint as much or as little as you want onto it. Every one of you is here for a reason so get out and explore. Temple has an incredibly diverse campus and you can create a life for yourself you never would've thought. Now I know that sounds cheesy, but it's the truth. If you never thought you would be "the Greek type" (that was me too), go out for rush anyway. If you don't like it you can always drop but I realized that maybe I too was meant to be Greek and now I have my forever home. Try things; this is the last step before you are thrown into adulthood.

Don't be afraid to fail. Being afraid is only going to hurt your development in the long run. Let me tell you a secret: No one is going to judge you if you fail. College friends are the friends you keep for a life time, and there's a reason why. They will support you, and guide you and love you. You'll wake up to them on your floor after a night out and you'll witness their most embarrassing moments. Embrace that.

Change your roommate if you have to. If there's one thing you take out of this, it's that you shouldn't let yourself be miserable or live in a room where the tension can be cut by a knife. Things happen and people don't get along. That's what life is. If you aren't happy, make a change.

I know working while going to school sounds like the worst thing ever, but get a campus job. Log onto your tuportal and find "Careers @Temple." Apply to all of them. Campus jobs are a blessing in disguise. First, they pay incredibly well. Second, no matter what you choose you will make friends and have a second family that is not in your res hall. Get out there and get paid.

You will learn to appreciate Philadelphia foods, you will travel to Center City often, and you will learn to love this City of Brotherly love. Don't hold back, laugh at the weird things locals do, and love every second of being a TEMPLE OWL. Goodluck out there.

See you at the tailgates,

Your fellow Owl