More Cheese Pleese*

"Matthew!" I called across the grass as I saw a familiar freshman face pass. He turned to look at me and displayed a flash of recognition.

"New Student Orientation, right?" he commented as he visibly rummaged through his memory bank. "That's cool that you remember my name."

We went on to discuss classes, his new ward, his social life, etc. I was glad to hear that there were no mental breakdowns (yet) and he seemed to be adjusting quite well to his situation. Fulfilling my duties as a responsible Y-Group leader (aka one of the leaders that helped out with the freshmen during New Student Orientation), I offered him some of my college advice. I mean, I am a wise and experienced Senior... so I can't keep it all to myself.

"Balance is the key. A social life is important, but you have to make time for studying." (Though I admit, when I was a freshman... I might have needed the opposite advice.)

Then he expressed to me his concern, as he feels like he is leaning towards medical school, but really doesn't want to be in school forever. I then gave him some borrowed advice (from one of the general authorities... I'm not sure which, but maybe Elder Oaks or Elder Nelson?):

"In 10 years, you're going to be doing something. You can be working a job you don't like, or going to school to do something you love. A few years won't make a difference."

He liked that, and heck, I felt good about myself. #1 because I've learned these things the hard way and was able to share from experience, and #2 he seriously seemed to contemplate them. Borrowing from my good friend Alex Morgan, "Just make one person's day better."

That is my new goal in life. At least one person a day. It was such a simple experience, but I was just feeling really good after it. Sometimes I feel like a pretty small fish in a big pond at BYU, but even one person can make a difference. Hurray for life. Now I think I'll go eat rainbows and dance on marshmallow clouds.

*I would like to acknowledge the fact that I purposefully spelled "please" incorrectly. It almost hurt me to do it, but I thought it looked more catchy. Wuldn't wahnt anywun theenking I doen't noe how too spelle.