Welcome to Mississippi State University! Welcome to Starkville! Get excited; this is a wonderful place to be. I want to first congratulate you on becoming part of the Bulldog family. Second, I want to give you some advice as you start your college career.

As you navigate your first few weeks here, I encourage you to really take it all in. Be open to new ideas from anyone and everyone — yourself included. Be open to challenging experiences. Be open to opportunities. Put yourself out there. Be confident. And most importantly, be open to the new people you will meet.

I can’t even begin to describe the impact the people I’ve gotten to know in my three years here have made on my college experience. Don’t lose sight of the privilege you have in being a student here.

Although some days you’ll be frustrated, overwhelmed and all kinds of stressed out, the opportunity to spend four years learning and living at MSU is something to be thankful for. Take advantage of it, and of course, enjoy it. Again, welcome, and best of luck!