CARPE DIEM: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME HERE

Now that you have a had a week to acclimate to campus and new classes, I wanted to share a philosophy that has helped me make the most of my years at Troy.

Carpe Diem is a Latin phrase meaning “seize the day.” It was first used by the Roman poet Horace. He was expressing the idea that we should enjoy the pleasantries of life when we can.

In modern times, the phrase means you should take advantage of self-serving opportunities – it advises against getting bogged down by indecision or anxiety.

Both definitions can easily be applied to the college experience: have fun while you are young and have fewer responsibilities, but also seek out the career development Troy offers as an academic institution.

Taking full advantage of the semester means finding a balance between the two.

One of the ways to do this (get ready for a shameless plug) is by reading The Tropolitan. I know I am super biased, and you can definitely still get the most out of college without reading the student paper – but hear me out.

We are constantly printing articles about fun activities, traditions, opportunities, resources and success stories. Not only will we help you stay connected to this community, but we can show you how others are taking their college experience as far as they can.

I am now a senior here at Troy. I can’t tell you how many times I have heard people complain they are always in their dorm room or they have nothing to do. It absolutely does not have to be that way.

There are hundreds of clubs on campus. Get involved! It’s never too late! Through campus organizations, I have participated in community service, made some of the best friends I’ve ever had and learned all kinds of skills that will help me after I graduate in both my personal and professional life.

The Tropolitan alone has helped turn me into a more well-rounded and confident person. I wouldn’t trade my experiences at Troy for anything.

I want to again emphasize balance. Be involved as much as you can without risking burnout or sacrificing good times. It won’t be too long before we all have grown-up jobs with grueling time restrictions. If you’re already doing a lot, it’s ok to say no to extra responsibilities sometimes.

This is also the first time a lot of you have experienced such a high degree of independence and autonomy. You would be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t put yourself out there to figure out who you are when you have the chance to be anyone.  Make mistakes, experiment and let yourself change for the better.

A lot of us are at the ideal time to take extra trips, see more movies in the middle of the week or even get up to some (legal) shenanigans with friends. You definitely should be doing these things alongside pouring your best self into your studies.

Here’s to a great year! I hope it is everything you want it to be!