B2SB: A Letter to Me, advice to my freshman self

By Danielle De Lucia

News Reporter

On August 21, 2023, Texas State University will begin its fall semester. Over the course of four years, students transform into who they want to become. The degree program a student picks helps to shape them as well as the sports or extracurricular activities they’re involved with. Like that Brad Paisley song “Letter to Me,” the recent and upcoming graduates and TXST alumni gave their younger self advice, to the question “What would you tell your freshman self?”

Recent Graduates

Spring 2023

“I would tell my freshman self that it’s okay not to have it all figured out because everything worked out in the end,” said Selah Petty, a psychology major.

Josh Ruiz graduated with a major in civil engineering and was part of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. “Meet as many people as you can. A lot of the friends you make will be the ones you met freshman year. Have a study plan and don’t get sidetracked with all the functions around you. Try to start off strong and shoot for A’s in all your classes. Venture out when you have free time. Austin is right don’t the road. Most of all don’t settle, explore your options because this is the time to do it” said Ruiz.

Rami King majored in psychology and was part of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. “I would definitely tell myself to enjoy every day of the next four years because they truly go by so incredibly fast. I would also tell myself how important it is to step out of my comfort zone and to try new things/meet new people.” King stepped out of her comfort zone by joining a sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, which gave her best friends and great memories.

Tory Spears majored in criminal justice and played the safety position for TXST football. “I promise it’s all gonna be worth it. Keep your head down and work… The process is going to humble you but trust it so one day you can be great.” This statement is about what Spears feels for himself, but this message can be universal to all students, especially to the incoming class. Spears included advice for the freshmen players and walk-ons. “Don’t get attention for the wrong reasons… you have to start at the bottom and work your way up,” said Spears. Patience is the virtue tip that Spears gives to freshmen and walk-on players. “From being a former walk-on, you will get the feeling of being overlooked. I promise they see it all… Make them stop the film and ask who you are.”

August 2023

“I would counsel myself to embrace calmness, presence and authenticity in every moment… The
key is to remain true to oneself, diligently work and cultivate mindfulness in all endeavors,” said
Andrew Vineski, a music and business major.

Upcoming Graduates

Fall 2023

Caroline Cloud is a Strutter for TXST and is majoring in elementary education. “I would tell my freshman self to enjoy the journey! Never give up even when times get bad. There will be hard days but it’s all a learning experience and helps you grow to become a stronger woman later in life because of it! Morning classes are better I promise,” said Cloud. For those that are new to the Strutter team, Cloud suggests a great attitude to have while having the opportunity of being a college-level dancer. “Dance your heart out every performance! It’s an honor to dance and cheer as a Bobcat. Soak up every minute in Strutters even those long practices because those are the days you wish you could live out again once you graduate. These girls become forever sisters and are with you through the ups and downs.”

“I used to care so much about how others would perceive me that I would hold back on things I wanted to do… Don’t let others stop you. Also, I would tell myself to not give up so easily being in college is hard, and don’t let people take from you that your major is ‘easy’ or ‘hard’ everyone has challenges in ALL majors. Lastly, slow down, take your time, and don’t rush into thinking you have to finish a certain time. College is what you make of it, have fun, go to parties and make new friends. Take it all in, this is your journey,” said Gabrielle Gilmore, majoring in
criminal justice.

Spring 2024

“I would give myself two pieces of advice. One is to trust yourself…It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but you can’t let the comparison game rule your life. Trust that you know what you’re doing. Trust that anything you may not know yet, you will learn. And trust that you are just as qualified as your peers, or you would not be where you are…The second piece of advice…find fun in the work. The theatre industry is a difficult one. It is not all success, and you have to learn to love what you are doing for the sake of doing it, not for the reward,” said Alicia
Cosenza, majoring in theatre.

Alumni

In spring 2022, Quintin Lorenz graduated with a major in political science. He was also a
student government senator and then vice president in 2021.“I would tell my freshman self to
really take the time to look into all the great resources and opportunities that TXST has to offer.”
The resources Lorenz wishes he took advantage of during his freshman year were the SLAC
labs, advising, and the writing center. “As for opportunities, I would have told myself to get
involved earlier… College is a great place to mold yourself into the future you! So take the time
freshman year to really throw yourself out there and find your niche because this will be your
home for the next years to come and a bobcat who is involved is a bobcat for life.”

Featured Image by Carolina Garza/KTSW.