What I’ve learned is that it’s OK to envision your dream life, but don’t make the same mistake I did by ignoring some of the more unfavorable bits. For all you soon-to-be Bears, here are some things I suggest considering.

Yes, college is exciting and nerve-wracking all at once, but using the free days before classes start can work to your advantage.

This is the one time in our lives when it’s OK — and, in fact, expected — to be selfish. No one is dependent on us. We’re just here, trying to figure out what career we want to pursue for the next several decades while simultaneously learning how to sort laundry, pay rent and cook anything other than bagels or ramen. It’s about growth. It’s about self-discovery. It’s about independence.

Although we have our flaws, we are much more than a lazy group of kids, just give us the chance to prove it. Just like the older generations are learning to live in a modern world, we are also trying to live in a world that has no former teachers that had to deal with everything new that’s being thrown at us.

Thank you all for being such a big part of Baylor to me. I will always look on college fondly because of the bright spot the Lariat created for me here. For my last time, I’m closing the camayak tab with a full heart and memories to hold onto forever.

Finals make up a large portion of students’ grades. Therefore, most students spend hours on end studying for these exams. With just one day to study for multiple exams, students aren’t getting the appropriate amount of time to perform well. Students should be given a week to study prior to finals week like other universities.