“College will be the four most memorable years of your life.”

This statement does not lie. These four years are full of memories and lessons learned, but more importantly, these are the years where you are constantly challenged. We are challenged in the classroom, what friends we choose, time management, decisions we make, and the one that is often over looked which are your beliefs and values.

After the long week of school consisting of studying, waking up early, and going to bed late, we are faced with the decision of how to spend our weekend. Often time’s students eagerly choose something “fun.” This generation’s idea of “fun” consists of actions that are not motivated for their futures and are often filled with regret or self-disappointment. Sadly, the value of life is often overlooked in the individuals of my generation. We take for granted the many blessings we are given throughout our lives. Instead of attacking our problems and pursuing our dreams, choosing risky situations or poor time management decisions often submerges it. Today the phrase “YOLO” is used to justify the poor decisions made. Students have allowed this statement to rule their future in a negative manner.

Yes, these four years are the most important years of your life. With this being said it means that this is your time to build the rest of your life. This is the time to choose your life career, this is the time to make the friends that will last a lifetime, this is the time to cram for that exam so you can thank yourself later while working your dream job, and most importantly, this is the time to find yourself. Jesus died for us. He gifted each and every one of us with one life. So we must make this one life count. Remember to spend each day building your life on a foundation of your faith. Take time to yourself to choose what you want to do for you. Love, respect, and take value in yourself. Don’t let bad decisions be the roadmap to the future you will regret. This is your time to create an incredible future for yourself. One thing that money cannot buy is time. Use your time wisely and to the best of your benefit. So I ask that our generation reevaluate their definition of YOLO.

Wake up each day with one more positive step in accomplishing your future. End each day reflecting on your faith and reassuring yourself of your self worth. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Take charge of your life with positive decisions instead of letting the bad decisions control you. Every minute counts. Make the most of it, because (YOLO) you only do live once.