This is what is known in the journalism business as a canned editorial.

But don’t stop reading now or you will miss what may be one of the most ominous-sounding introductions to an editorial ever written in a newspaper since the invention of the printing press.

If you are new or weren’t previously aware of the facts, we want you to know that ISU is a great place to go to school.

We also want you to know that what you do here will affect you for the rest of your life.

And we want you to know that what you do here will affect ISU forever, too.

There are more opportunities for self-improvement here than you can possibly imagine.

Clubs, sports, social life. You name it, ISU has it in spades.

This is a great time of your life, and the people you meet and make friends with here will be some of the most important people of your life.

ISU is officially determined to be the best land-grant university in the United States, and that includes Puerto Rico and American Samoa. No small feat.

But this is our university, too.

Don’t get left out in the cold.

Don’t be afraid to speak up in or out of class.

There is no such thing as a stupid question with the possible exception of “Who is buried in Grant’s tomb?”

It may feel overwhelming at times to be surrounded by so many people with diverse interests and agendas.

This is normal.

There are plenty of special interests out there, and you undoubtedly have yours, so be tolerant and respectful whenever possible.

Always remember that unless you take the initiative and get involved, no one will bother to take your opinion into account.

Get active.

Get involved.

Get political.

Believe us when we tell you that you should not go through your college years meekly.

Now is the time to shed that sheepish high school personality in favor of the bold new you.

If you see something that isn’t right, say something about it.

If the first person you tell doesn’t listen, tell the next one up the ladder.

At times, ISU can be overwhelming, but you are paying for the honor to be here.

Don’t let anyone tell you to just be quiet and stand in line.

As a paying customer, you have the right to be heard.

Nothing is written in stone.

No rule exists for the purpose of maintaining this bureaucracy that cannot be bent at least a little.

And when you leave this place in anywhere between four to seven years, it will be better for your having been here.