Dear Little Sis,

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Dear Little Sis,
                Let me just start off by saying, your journey has been so fun to watch. From the time you were playing for “Tennessee” in Manasquan-Brielle Little League to leading your team to a state championship victory last year as a junior, it’s has been nothing but a pleasure to be a supporter and really for all intensive purposes, a fan. Your determination, competitive drive, and mental tenacity was something I always drew inspiration from while I was an athlete myself. It’s funny that you always say how much you look up to me I often find myself looking up to you for the person that you are because you are reaching your fullest potential despite obstacles along the way. There was never a point in time where I didn’t think you’d make it to the highest collegiate level; your talent combined with your work ethic and Mom and Dad’s commitment to ensuring you reached your dream, was always a sure recipe for success. Now that you are about to get ready for your first semester as a Villanova Wildcat, I want to give you some tips that I picked up during my time as a student-athlete. These will help guide you through the different situations, thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. that you will probably encounter at some point, remember nothing is written in stone when it comes to advice but let this be a very general outline you so that you can make it your own.
                Good pain, bad pain. In college, this is going to be a daily balance that you’re going to want to master early to guarantee you’re successful with time management. The idea of good pain verse bad pain is very simple, choose to do what you don’t want to do before you choose something you do want to do. This can also be said differently, discipline equals freedom via Jocko Wilink. If you’re disciplined and complete necessary tasks that you may not want to do (i.e. homework, projects, studying, workouts, etc.) you’ll have more time to do what you want to do. This is so key, especially freshman year because everything else is so new and it’s a transition so this will help you take care of what’s most important academics.
                Get comfortable being uncomfortable. The first few weeks of college are, for lack of a better word, awkward. You’re living with someone you don’t know, you’re in a class you’ve never seen before, you’re not going home to your parents every night, your decisions are your decisions. This transition comes with growing pains and these different situations will feel a little uncomfortable at times but you have to know that it’s all part of the process. It’s during these times you find out how strong and resilient you can be and how self-sufficient you’re capable of being. Dad always said that “college is preparation for life”, having graduated and just recently hit the one year mark since I started my career, he couldn’t have been more spot on. College prepares you how to manage your time, your money, your relationships, tasks, emotions, and goals. Soak it all in because it’s a valuable experience.
                Lastly, be very smart. Now I know that seems really general, but you have to be smart everywhere at all times, make wise decisions. All four years I saw different people make critical mistakes that cost them their status as a student, tarnishing their once stellar reputations. After hours you have to be even wiser because this is when starting positions, respect, scholarships, and everything else can be lost. Simply have strong judgment, put your team, your family, and everything else you represent before yourself when you’re making your decisions. I know you’ll have no problem with this you’re mature and understand that what’s earned over the years can be taken away in seconds.
                I am so excited to watch what these next four years have in store for you. You are setting goals and consistently reaching them. Your potential is limitless and you’ll have the opportunity to conquer everything you set your mind to. Own the opportunity you have in front of you and push through when you have those tough days. It’s an exciting time for you and I know you’ll enjoy it, just remember to have fun, be safe, stay humble, stay hungry, everything else will take care of itself!
Written By: Dakotah Jones
Edited By: Joshua Hicks

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