Living for two decades is a big deal. Being 20 is not only the end of our childhood, but in all reality, the beginning of our young adulthood. We have the next ten years to live our life the way we want to. Every decision we make will lead us on the path to our future.
It’s sort of deep, but it's true too. We’re can't get younger. And now’s the time to make the best of being young.
After going through 15 years of school, after having moments of glory and moments where our world is over, after meeting so many people that we can’t think we’d meet anymore, after thinking we’ve experienced every experience we could ever experience, after believing we’re on top of the world and that we know everything we could ever know, there’s still so many more years to live. The opportunities are endless, the experiences are unforgettable, and our youth is never-ending -- if we think of it that way. Below is advice from our very own Greek community. Go on the pursuit to make the best of your youth.
“It’s really important to slow down and enjoy the time you have in school. There will be plenty of time to stress about work later in life. It’s always fun to stay up late laughing with your friends and taking spontaneous day trips on the weekend. We’re young and have the ability to be a little crazy sometimes.” –Emily Paganelli, Phi Mu
"The most important thing would be to make the most out of the experiences we have at school. Once I'm out of college, I'm not going to be able to live the lifestyle that I live now, so make the most of meeting new people and having a great time with your brothers." -Sean Aguirre, Phi Kappa Psi
“I would say to have fun and enjoy time with friends in the ‘now’; go with your heart in all situations but be mindful of your choices.” –Taylor Briscoe, Kappa Kappa Gamma
“College is a time of ultimate exploration. Use this time to really explore what you like and what you don’t like. Put a seatbelt on your negative opinions, and you might just have some fun. You really don’t know what you do or don’t enjoy until you give it a shot. My great grandfather once told me, ‘Excuses are the nails to a house of failure.’”- Derek Dellinger, Phi Gamma Delta
“Always have fun when you can, stay true to yourself, and don’t sweat the small stuff. Everything you panic about always ends up being okay.” –Megan Johnson, Kappa Alpha Theta
“Live to regret the things you did, instead of the things you were too afraid to do. Step out of your comfort zone.” –Logan Smith, Delta Tau Delta
“This is really the only time in your life where you can make your own decisions to do whatever you want without anyone saying anything about it. So take advantage of it while you can. Sleep when you’re old and ask for forgiveness once you’re dead.” –Sebastian Andrade, Sigma Nu
“Know what your priorities are and make sure you keep them straight.” –Frankie Lynch, Pi Kappa Phi
“Soak it all in! Learn everyday, meet new people everyday, and enjoy it all. Learn from all your failures and bad decisions, smile to strangers when you walk to class and do goofy things with your best friends.” – Rachel Wilson, Delta Delta Delta
“Just basically to have priorities, but still remember that school isn’t everything. Get involved with what you enjoy doing.” –Spencer Owen, Sigma Chi
“Now is the time to decide what kind of person you want to be. What you do today determines who you will be tomorrow. Academics are important but those late nights with friends are worth it. Be kind to your body, don’t do anything you will be ashamed of 10 years from now, and have the time of your life.” –Anne Marshall, Alpha Phi
Some short, some long, some different, some similar but all with the same goal -- to make the best of time being young. Be spontaneous, and take advantage of every opportunity that you face. This is a crucial time in our life and we need to live it the right way. Use these words of wisdom to help you do just that. Don’t stress, just live. We’re in college and these are the best years of our lives. You're on your pursuit of youth, and it's easy to forget what's most important. Surround yourself with the good people, be kind, don't judge, and appreciate the small things that you couldn't live without.
