Embracing the Challenge
Dear College-Aged Me,
Howdy, oh, youthful, slimmer version of myself! I hope this letter finds you amidst the chaotic whirlwind of college life, dodging deadlines and juggling new experiences. Trust me; I remember those days well—the late-night study sessions, the guilt-free massive quantities of questionable dining hall food, and the occasional existential crisis in the middle of a lecture on existentialism (oh, the irony).
But fear not, for I come bearing tidings of wisdom, humor, and maybe even a few embarrassing memories from our shared past (hey, it’s all in good fun, right?). Today, we’re going to chat about two things near and dear to my heart: dealing with adversity and seeking out challenging opportunities. Buckle up because we’re about to embark on a journey of self-discovery and questionable metaphors.
Let’s start with adversity. Ah, yes, the delightful rollercoaster ride of life’s curveballs, plot twists, and occasional face-plants. You see, adversity is like that annoying roommate who never cleans up after themselves—it’s unavoidable, infuriating, and probably going to leave a few stains on your favorite hoodie. But here’s the kicker: adversity is also your greatest teacher, your fiercest motivator, and your most invaluable ally in the battle against mediocrity. Remember when you bombed that geology exam and thought your GPA was about to drop like a rock? But guess what? It wasn’t the end of the world; it was just the beginning of a valuable lesson in resilience, determination, and the art of bouncing back. Seriously, you need to get after it like you will win something if you keep doing it—because you will.
Lt. Col. Henry G. Heren IV, USSF, Ret., UNLV ’99
Remember when you bombed that geology exam and thought your GPA was about to drop like a rock? But guess what? It wasn’t the end of the world; it was just the beginning of a valuable lesson in resilience, determination, and the art of bouncing back.
Now, let’s talk about seeking out challenging opportunities. Picture this: you’re standing at a crossroads, staring at two doors. Door number one is the safe, comfortable route—where you know exactly what to expect and where your biggest challenge is deciding what toppings to get on your pizza (pro tip: always go with Canadian bacon and mushrooms). What will the other door reveal? Well, that’s where the magic happens. It’s scary, uncertain, and filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and become the best version of yourself I know you’re destined to be. Sure, it might feel like you’re embarking on an epic quest armed with only a rusty sword and a map drawn by a particularly unhelpful squirrel, but trust me, it’s worth it. Behind every challenge exists a chance to test your limits, discover new strengths, and maybe even stumble upon a hidden talent or two (who knew you’d enjoy ballroom dance?).
In his book, The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of cultivating resilience and moral fortitude by embracing the obstacles in our path as a means for true personal growth and development. Phi Delta Theta provides an environment where members can shoulder additional responsibilities (i.e., ratchet up the discomfort level) and develop qualities by engaging in philanthropic activities, participating in organizational culture (remember, “one man is no man” means in part that we accomplish more together), and embracing ethical leadership roles.
So, my dear college-aged self, embrace adversity like that cheerleader outfit embraced you on the sidelines of those powderpuff football games (GO SIGMA KAPPA!). And when seeking out challenging opportunities, don’t be afraid to kick down a few doors (metaphorically speaking) and dive headfirst into the unknown (remember the metaphorical helmet) because that’s how you become the greatest version of your future self . . . me. Keep dreaming, keep pushing yourself, and above all, keep being unapologetically you. Because trust me, you’re capable of achieving some pretty incredible things.
With a healthy dose of hindsight,
Your Older, Wiser, and Less Gymnastically Inclined Self
Lt. Col. Henry G. Heren IV, USSF, Ret., UNLV ’99
