J.P. Benedict Student Body President

Looking back over my first three years here at the University of Arizona, I am astounded at the changes my life has undergone. I can still remember walking around campus for the first time and thinking about how big it was compared to high school, and getting lost and confused about a dozen times before finally getting adjusted. I can remember my first day of classes, walking down the mall through a horde of people, trying not to get trampled. I can remember my first lecture class of 500 students. I was amazed at all the people in my class and was barely able to concentrate on the lecture. I remember how daunting it was to be at a university as huge as the UA.

I can also remember how exciting my freshman year was. I had so much freedom, and so much time to do whatever I wanted. I also remember, however, the difficult times. Being on my own led to a little homesickness, and also a little confusion. I no longer had my parents guiding me along, nor had I teachers watching over my shoulder. I was on my own and, quite frankly, a little lonely. I had gone from my hometown of Ahwatukee, where I knew virtually everyone, to this campus, where I knew basically no one. I knew that I needed to do something to find a home in Tucson; I just wasn't sure what to do.

Throughout the past three years, many of the details have actually become a little bit fuzzy (college nights can do that to you). I knew I wanted to get involved on campus so I did all I could to get information on student groups. I went to some club fairs, checking out clubs that matched my tastes, inquired within my dorm about the Residence Hall Government, contacted my College about its student council, checked out the class honoraries, and looked into greek life and how I could get involved in that system. It seems that through trial and error, finding out what I liked and didn't like, I have found my way to this point in time where I am the ASUA student body president. Of course, this isn't the route that everyone should take, but I have found it fulfilling.

If there is any one piece of advice that I could give to all of you, it is to get involved. This will lead to many good experiences. Whatever your interests are, go out and see how you can become more involved with them. College is a time for self-exploration, so if you are not sure what you want to do, go on and check different things out. There is no better time or place to do so than now at the University of Arizona. There is a whole new world out there for you, so definitely check out everything that this college has to offer.

I know you have heard it before, but this is the beginning of the rest of your life, so make the most of it. Most importantly, don't be scared to do whatever it is you want to do. Remember that everyone is basically new to this whole experience as well, and that no one deserves to get what they want out of life more than you. In closing, I would just like to leave you with a few words that will hopefully stay with you for the rest of your life. Bear Down Arizona!