In the early 1970s, a young Billy Joel visited his father in Vienna, Austria. Later, he wrote a song named after the city. As I reflect on my time at Xavier, I find the messages found within the lyrics of “Vienna” continue to ring true.

“You can get what you want or you can just get old.” Life is too short to do things you don’t like, so do what you want to do. I can recall countless times when I disregarded my instincts and stayed in activities and situations I wasn’t truly passionate about. I was hesitant to risk comfort and predictability for an unknown future. But what could be scarier than getting old, only to realize fear prevented you from discovering your potential? Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives. Get what you want. “But don’t you know that only fools are satisfied?” Fools stagnate. Fools give up the pursuit of the lives they want. No one said it would be easy, but many have said it was worth it. Invest in the process, continue to grow and reap the benefits of a fruitful journey. Don’t be a fool. “It’s alright, you can afford to lose a day or two.”

Ambition is a virtue, until it becomes an obsession. Don’t forget to slow down, take a step back and realize few things are permanent. Freshman year, I was ready to do it all at any cost. I wish I would have known time not spent working, creating or helping is not always time wasted. You can afford to lose a day or two.

The person you aspire to be is out there, if you choose to become them. The life you dream of having is out there, if you have the courage to pursue it. Vienna waits for you.