How does time pass so quickly?

The new school year has already arrived; it seems like just yesterday I was crying obnoxiously about the end of sophomore year and moving out of the Tri Delta house. However, I could not be more excited to start my junior year, and I’m sure the rest of my fellow Tigers are just as amped as I am.

However this summer, was a little sad to say goodbye to. We watched Germany win the World Cup, we helped raise money for ALS by participating in the ice bucket challenge, and we wiped our tears as Joe Kelly and Allen Craig were traded from the Cardinals. This summer had its perks and its peaks, but it doesn’t even compare to what’s coming this school year.  

Besides football season and classes beginning, there is more as to why I’m so glad to be back at the Zou. I'm proud to be the new Editor-In-Chief of Mizzou’s branch of The Odyssey, following previous EIC Will Fay. I’ve got some big shoes to fill, but I plan on finding and telling all the stories of us Tigers doing what we do best. 

To kick us off, I’ve got some tips for how to make the most of the 2014-2015 school year… 

Freshmen:

• Get excited to be here – this place is great, and you’re going to learn to love it.
• Buy season tickets to the football games. Don’t forget to wake up early to tailgate, too.
• Eat at Dobbs Pavilion when you can. Be sure to treat yourself to the soft serve ice cream at least once a week
• Go to class and pay attention, because the transition from high school classes to college lectures can be tougher than you think.
• Call your parents often – they’re going to be worried. Oh, and prepare for their daily texts such as, “How r u???,” “R u going 2 class???,” and “We miss u already.” 
• Live it up as a freshman. You’ll never be this young again! 

Sophomores:         

• Be nice to the freshmen (then they might swipe you into Dobbs).
• Go out on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesdays and Sundays are optional.
• Pace yourself eating at the sorority/fraternity house. It’s easy to get carried away. 
• Go on a walk with your house mom – she’s actually an intelligent woman and has great stories to tell.
• Dance in fraternity basements while it’s still socially acceptable. 

Juniors (shoot, we’re getting old): 

• Be sure to go to class. We’re halfway through college, and things are starting to get real.
• Make an elaborate grocery list each week to avoid spending all your money at Chipotle downtown. 
• Don’t overwork yourself – we’re still young and deserve our time to have fun.         
• Go all out for your 21st birthday. A given. 

Seniors:

• Make the most of your last year here at Mizzou.
• Go out every chance you get, because you definitely won’t get as many chances once you graduate and enter the real world. 
• Take lots of pictures – you’ll be crying over them in about ten years.
• Remind your friends how much they mean to you, whether that means giving them a big hug in the morning or buying them a Rumpies shot at Bengals at night.
• Take pride in the fact that you’re a senior at this kick-ass school. 

So, Tigers, we’re prepared for this year. Now the question is, what stories will we be telling at the end of it? Perhaps an SEC Championship, or a cure for ALS thanks to the notable donation increase. Whatever it is, I look forward to an exciting and rewarding school year at the best school around. M-I-Z!