It all starts tomorrow for the Hobart and William Smith classes of 2019. That’s exactly where I was just 4 years ago. Recently The Colleges asked alums to give some advice on social media with the #HWS2019 hashtag, so this is my two cents. I’ll make it brief because I know you’ll be getting lectured enough in the coming years…

Classes of 2019, you’re about to embark on the 4, 5, or 6 best years of your life. Of course I kid. But with all sincerity I urge you to enjoy every minute of it with all of the ups and downs. Don’t take these years for granted and be sure to live in the moment, for the moment. Go abroad, go to Joe’s Hots, frequent the lake, go on wine tours, go to The Glen, and love Geneva. This is the beginning of a great ride that you will only experience once. Oh the places you’ll go, the things you will learn, and the spectacles you’ll see. On some levels I’m jealous of you all. 

-John Conard-Malley, Hobart College ’15