Pretend I'm on a podium

And there's a huge crowd in front of me, 2500 of them are dressed in all black.
It's not a funeral.

'm still steadfast on the decision to change the world. However, I don't know if I'll ever achieve the cult-like status of Jobs or the political status of a senator. Call this a trial run. Or is it a dry run?

The first.

Think of those times you stayed behind in a room in Huntsman working with your friends because they needed help rehearsing. Keep doing this. Today it was for them. Tomorrow, for you. It might not be a status report and your first big college level presentation but the combination of diffused lighting, lack of windows, camraderie of knowing that you are bearing what must be born, together, and structure you are providing each other will give you enlightment no teacher on this campus can hope to give you.

The second.

Go out with your friends. Now I know that this might not be a popular idea because of the negative connotations of drinking, dancing and doing mistakes. That's not what I mean I assure you. What I want is for you to work really hard at choosing your friends and pursuing a depth in those relationships that only college affords. Take a second to relax, stop working on the assignments you have due next week and enjoy the freedom of choice. No longer are friendships a matter of custom or tradition. You have at least 2500 options - all pre-screened for "interesting".

And speaking more generally.

These past 4 years have been some of the greatest in my life. I didn't understand the big ado about college coming from a small high school in Mexico and a family where my parents spoke no english. Sure - there was animal house and american pie but i knew these to be comedies. I watched the movie "Accepted" during application season. I hoped for something like Dead Poet's society without the suicidal tendencies. An inspired teacher a la Coach Carter that also carried a PhD in everything and could speak with ease about the grand world stage I was joining. The ride was supposed to be an ever increasing spiritual high. It turns out that it's part of the experience to have incredible high points and terrible low points. This semester, I've hit the sweetest one yet.

These past 4 years have been an education. It took me till junior year to figure out just how trivial the little number at the end of each semester was. How much definition it lacked. I focused on learning, not earning (a grade). It hit me that I was working hard to prepare myself, yes as an educated college grad, but also as a grown man living independently in the world. I have been working hard, inside and outside the classroom to make my story as great as possible. The 4 years of college are the greatest years of your life - if you commit yourself to making them so.

I did. I recommend doing the same.

*P.S. Maker's with apple cider make a good drink to mop up the tears.