As I am sure you have heard over and over again like a broken record, let me remind you that college is only what you choose to make of it, and there is no unwavering ideal as to what the 'college experience' must be for everyone. Just because your school has a certain reputation does not mean you have to fit into that stereotype. A 'party school' is only a 'party school' for you if you choose for it to be so.

We all come together from different backgrounds and contexts that build the foundation for our beliefs and values. As a result, our needs will be different, and we may require certain types of experiences in order to be happy that others may not understand. Only you hold the power to shape your college experience because you are the only person who knows what is best for you.

One who chooses to go out every weekend has the same capacity for fulfillment and potential to make life-altering memories as one who does not, because fulfillment is personal to each individual.

I understand that in order to feel a sense of belonging on campus, I need to find alternative methods to occupy my free time, as well as to find friends. Although this may be more difficult and requires me to reach outside of my comfort zone, I would much rather have strong friendships with those who know and love me for who I am when I am sober, despite and even for my discomfort with the party scene, than with those who only know and love me when I am drunk.

I often find that small talk with my peers primarily consists of, "Did you go out last night?" Or something along those lines, and I immediately begin to give an unnecessary explanation as to why I did not, despite never being asked for one.

When I step back and escape from my own negative thoughts, I see that no one really cares whether or not I party, and the sense of judgment I feel comes from my own mind insisting that I am alone rather than the reactions of others. Not partying does not make me 'weird' or 'antisocial,' and more often than not, we are so overwhelmed by what is going on in our own lives that we do not take the time to judge what others do with their lives because it has nothing to do with ourselves.

I refuse to sacrifice my moral beliefs that make me who I am in order to conform to the mold that others expect from me. I hope you all hold your values, no matter what they are, to the same degree of respect and keep them in the forefront of your mind as you are confronted with conflicting decisions that may call into question your character and moral truths. The pressure you place upon yourself to fit in or please others will often be the greatest weight you will have to wrestle with.

Above all, stay true to your convictions and remember that in the end, the only opinion that matters is your own because you are the only person that has to live with it. The only disappointment that will truly impact you, in the long run, is, ultimately, your own.