What's up my dudes. I graduated last spring and wanted to share some of my experiences with y'all, especially the younger classmen. I did some things right and some things I wouldn't definitely change if I could go back, but I have no regrets. Everything we do in life shapes who we are.

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A Few Things I Did Right:

-Finding balance between school and life

In my opinion this is one of the biggest things that people struggle with. I can definitely empathize if you need to make the grade to get into med school or a competitive internship, etc. The reality is though that once you graduate and land your first gig, your gpa doesn't matter at all.

I've met so many people who base their self worth off of their grades, tests scores, gpa and it's incredibly unhealthy.

School and grades definitely matter, but make time for other stuff and realize that college is supposed to be fun and not, too, stressful.

Go out, have fun, get involved, but get your shit done. If its above a 3.0 thats good enough in my book.

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-Having some interest outside of school

Having something to focus on and improve upon outside of your school/social life is a great way to become a more interesting person and a great distraction for when you're stressed out or just need a distraction.

This could be playing guitar, tinkering with electronics, cooking, lifting. For me it was climbing. Try and pick something you can improve upon/see progress in and is something you are genuinely interested in.

It's also a great way to meet people and expand your social circle. Plus you have something to say when those awkward icebreaker questions come up.

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-Taking classes just because you are interested in them

If you're schedule allows, I think one of the best things you can do is take random classes just because they seem interesting. Some of the most interesting classes I've taken have fit into this category (shoutout Big Bang, Blackholes, No Math, the wine classes offered in the HORT department, and whitewater canoeing). Most degrees get at lest a few electives, take advantage of them.

Follow your passions and interests, you might be surprised.

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-Getting an en-camps job

If you're working while going to school, getting an on-campus job is 100% the move. I'm sure it varies by position, but most jobs are very flexible and will work with your schedule.

Most en-camps jobs are way better than what you'll find off campus (hot tip: the Health Science Center pays $12/hr).

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A Few Things I Did Not So Right:-Not getting involved soon enough

I transferred to A&M from Blinn my sophomore year and didn't get involved until Spring of my Junior year. I was cool with just partying with my friends I already had and didn't really try to get involved until I only had a year and a half of school left.

It was pretty upsetting, because as I graduated I felt like I was just starting to find my stride.

My hot tip is to make sure you really look at all the options. There are more ways to get involved at A&M than Fish Camp and FLOs and SLOs. There's a ton of club sports (most don't require any type of experience), small organizations (shoutout CASTLE), and countless ways to get involved.

I got rejected by a SLO after transferring in and thought that was it for getting involved. There are so many orgs that there's no reason not to join something. It really makes your college experience so much better.

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-Taking my time in College Station for granted

If you've ever heard the Trace Adkins song 'You're Gonna Miss This', that's pretty much how I feel.

I'm a self admitted 2%er and couldn't wait to leave CSTAT. After leaving though, I realize how much of a special place Aggieland is and how a piece of me will always be in the little town on the Brazos. It really is a special place and even if you're not a diehard reads, try and enjoy as much of it as you can.

Get involved, participate in the traditions, go to the football games, and make the most of your time in college, you only get one shot (for most of us at least).

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I'd love to hear what some of y'alls biggest successes and regrets have been as well!

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I hope this helps someone. Feel free to hit me up if y'all have any other questions.