Dear First Years

Enter, Nick Lachance

High school, work, an extended vacation or otherwise have arrived at a long overdue conclusion. In a few short months, you’ll be embarking on an adventure to previously unexplored territory – university. I’m not here to preach to you about school spirit or what a great choice you’ve made in coming to Laurier; god knows you’ll be getting enough of that during Orientation Week. I’m here to give you a small token of advice, one student to another.

I make no pretence about being a university veteran. I’ll only be starting my second year at this institution when you’ll be starting your first. To put it simply, I was one of you a mere twelve months ago.

My original plan for this article was to write up some tips for university survival. I’ve decided that’s not entirely appropriate. Who am I to tell you how you should live your life? Your success in the academic and social catalyst that is university ultimately rests on your own shoulders.

It sounds tokenistic, but your university experience will be what you make it. If you so desire, the next four (or more, or less) years of your life will be the greatest you’ve ever known. As an enlightened woman once said many years ago, take chances, make mistakes, and get messy.