Dear Class of 2030,

Whether you’re coming to Clemson from just down the road or across the country, beginning college is no small feat.

As I write this letter for the second time as editor-in-chief and now as a senior at Clemson, one piece of wisdom from a good friend of mine comes to mind: when I get to graduation, I want to be absolutely exhausted from everything I did.

I truly believe that what is meant for you will fall into your lap, but you first have to put in the necessary work. You will only be in college once — now is the time to figure out what you’re truly passionate about and where you find the most fulfillment.

The people really do make the place, but don’t worry if you don’t find your forever friends at first. They will come, and the connections you make will be greater than you ever thought possible. Clemson has a special, unique way of placing people in the right place at the right time — but you absolutely have to put yourself out there for that to happen.

Go to Tiger Prowl, club interest meetings and spontaneous hangouts with a random group of people you’ve never met before, talk to other students in your classes, say hello to people on the bus and, overall, just stay open-minded. The random person you exchange a smile with could become a forever friend, and that one club’s interest form you fill out on a whim could be the organization that shapes your college experience in ways you never expected.

Remember that college is a place of endless opportunities and that, by choosing Clemson, you’ve already opened yourself up to unforgettable experiences, familial bonds and lifelong relationships. There is truly something in these hills, as Joe Sherman, class of ‘34, once wrote. As always, go Tigers!

Kat Pugh is a senior English major from Clayton, California. Kat can be reached at [email protected].