To the Class of 2014

Class of 2014,

I was inspired by a fellow blogger to share a few things with you that I hope you will find inspiring and helpful during your transition to your new home. For theatrical affect, I need you to plug in some headphones, open a new tab or window, and play The Temper Trap’s ‘Sweet Disposition’ while reading.

Let down every guard. There are too many remarkable people to meet and befriend. Point blank. Be friendly to every person you encounter; you have no idea how they will influence and affect your own life. Each of us is a part of the divine legacy of William & Mary, all connected in one way or the other. And believe me, some of the individuals you meet will become true friends for a lifetime. This may sound trite because you have been reading, or hearing, it from almost every twamp so far, but it is undoubtedly the truth.

Failure is unavoidable. It will be a hard pill to swallow, but failing is a necessary fissure to cross in the pilgrimage of life. Pride is poison and we all most learn to humble ourselves. As Alfred says in 2005’s Batman Begins, we fall, “So that we can learn to pick ourselves up.,,” And do not be afraid to lean on your peers and confidants/confidantes for help and support. An Arabian proverb states:

A friend is one whom one can pour out all the contents of one’s heart, chaff and grain together, knowing that is the gentlest of hands will take and sift it, keeping what is worth keeping, and, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away

It is our friends who sometimes know us better than we know ourselves, and are able to ‘blow away’ our worries.

Learn to apologize. I have certainly stomped on a few feet and the hardest thing I had to learn that was not in a textbook was the ability to sit down with someone and just say sorry. Do not become a slave to anger and disdainfulness and resentment-iron out every bit of tension before it begins to wrinkle your relationship with others.

Forget fear. Walk out from under the umbrella of lugubriousness, and snatch the reigns. Embrace change. Do things you have never done before. Point blank (triathlon, anyone?).

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I am ecstatic for each and every one of you. Your lives are truly about to evolve. As Florence + the Machines sing, “The dog days are over.”

I hope to meet you all sometime-do not be too shy to say ‘Hi.’

Justin