The worst is almost over. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Of course, I am talking about the first week of classes, a time of year traditionally marked with that lazy, lethargic, “do I actually have to start using my brain cells again?” feeling.

Freshmen, you are most likely still in a state of shock. By now, you have soaked up all the free advice you can (do wear flip-flops in the shower, do not wear your high school T-shirts on campus and so on), but are nonetheless overwhelmed by the newness of everything.

Sophomores and juniors, you are probably feeling slightly more comfortable with your college experience and hopefully have learned what it takes to succeed at a major university.

Seniors, you have hopefully figured out the keys to success, but are probably starting to discover that, hard as it might be to believe right now, there is life after the four- (or five-, or six-) year fiesta we like to call college.

No matter your age, year, gender, or sentiment, it should be evident to you that college means more than how many packages of Ramen you can eat and how many cans of Keystone Light you can consume. Being successful can and someday will be measured by more than breaking your old keg stand record.

I could sit here and give you mountains of free advice (a sock on the doorknob means don’t come in!), but my point is that your most important insights about college, and eventual changes in yourself, will be personal strides you have taken and are not found in any written form. They will be found within yourself, but with the help of three simple questions.

The most significant question you should first ask yourself is, “Why am I here?” The answer should be more substantial than to avoid the wrath of parental cohabitation, or an excuse to drink five nights a week with no major consequences.

Think very closely about why you chose Iowa State. Luckily for me, the choice to come to Iowa State was made at a very early age. Many of my family members are Cyclone alumni and fans and told me proud tales of their alma mater. I also had the advantage of growing up near Ames, where my parents took me to ISU basketball and football games, Veishea parades and concerts at Hilton Coliseum. I fell in love with not only the town and the campus, but also with the atmosphere of the place as a whole.

So when it came time to consider colleges my junior year of high school, I only filled out one application and left my college visitation days unused. Fortunately, my choice was a no-brainer. I’m not trying to say your choice to come here should have been that easy, but finding a fitting college shouldn’t be such a trying decision.

Next, you should ask yourself, “What now?” This means now that you have made the right college decision, what are you going to do to make the most of it? Why look back on the experience only to say you wish you would have done more?

College is unique in the way that it allows us to have opportunities we may never experience again.

I have had the chance to write for a popular college newspaper, be an executive member of a sports club and form lasting friendships. Could I do that in high school? No. Am I going to be able to do this after college in the real world? Not a chance.

Lastly, you should ask yourself, “What do I want out of college?” The conclusion of college is more than a framed piece of paper; it’s a testament to what you have learned and how you have grown.

Maybe it’s the satisfying feeling you get when you realize you will never again lifeguard at the public swimming pool for another summer. Maybe it’s the appreciation you have for a spacious apartment after living in a 10×14 foot cell with another person. Or maybe it’s becoming aware that you aren’t the same person you were in high school.

Whatever it is, everyone has their own personal victories on the way to self-discovery.