Cherish college experiences before they’re gone

By Michael Haag | Sports Editor

Stress seems to never go away during college. As soon as one task is completed, five more are lined up, ready to be worked on. It’s hard to ever sit down, take a deep breath and feel content at any given moment. That feeling may sometimes appear too good to be true.

A few months ago, my dad called me and told me something that hit home. He told me to look around and soak it all in, regardless of being in the midst of chaos. For most people, college is only four years of a lifetime, so enjoy it while it’s here.

Now, I don’t agree with the “college is the best four years of your life” crowd, because that’s a horrible attitude to have. Why would someone want to peak in life during college? Shouldn’t the goal always be to reach new heights?

It’s possible to enjoy and cherish something while not thinking it’s the high point of life.

Ever since my dad shared that with me, it’s changed how I look at things. A weekday stroll through Fountain Mall shouldn’t be taken for granted. Sure, that’s something that can be done at any time, regardless of being a student, but it means more when this is your time on campus.

No one likes to look back on memories and say “I wish I would’ve done that.”

As cliché as it sounds, it’s true. Many people fall victim to it, including me. If it wasn’t for my dad’s advice, my time here may have run its course, and I would’ve had those regrets later down the line. Just a few simple words over the phone potentially altered my collegiate experience, and now, it’s my turn to pass along the message in hopes some of you take a similar approach to your future days.

Tell a friend, pass it on.

When Baylor’s gorgeous campus looks extra stunning on a pretty day this spring, don’t stay complacent and walk by like it’s part of the routine. Enjoy those basketball games at the Ferrell Center or Chick-fil-A runs at the SUB.

Take a few extra moments to soak it all up before college life shuts the door on you forever.

Michael Haag is a third year Journalism student from Floresville, a small town about 30 miles south of San Antonio. Haag is entering his third year at the Lariat and is hoping to continue developing his sports reporting skill set. After graduation, he plans to work on a Master’s degree in Journalism in order to one day teach at the college level. He does, however, plan on becoming a sports reporter for a publication after grad school.