A little less than 30 percent of Americans between 18 and 24 years of age have the opportunity to attend a four-year college. By walking onto our campus, you are already more fortunate than many of your peers.

Don’t let this statistic intimidate you. Let it empower you.

During my three years at GW, I have been involved in several student organizations and led one for two years. This past spring, I was elected Student Association president, and I want each of you to know that you have representatives charged with connecting you to resources and improving your overall college experience.

Incoming freshmen, in our first unofficial interaction, I’d love to share with you a few lessons I’ve learned about GW. I hope they help you get the most out of your time here.

First, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. College is exciting, and you are very fortunate to be here. Try to remember that.

You will learn a lot and meet tons of new people. But don’t ever be afraid to ask for help if you feel like you are in over your head. If you see someone else struggling, ask if he or she is OK. Never feel uncomfortable using the variety of support systems that GW has to offer. We are a community, and it is important to look out for one another.

Second, always try to talk to people who are different from you. It’s the only way you’ll learn. Join organizations that align with your values, but make sure they don’t necessarily dictate how you act. Your college career is too short to only surround yourself with people who think the same way you do.

Reach out to your classmates, go to student organization events that you might not normally attend and immerse yourself in different parts of campus life. The only way you can improve is by challenging yourself both intellectually and personally.

Third, make the most of this time by diving into an activity or project. Set goals and follow through with them. They can be anything from earning a certain GPA to planning and completing an ambitious service project. Doing well in classes, for example, has always been my first priority. And when I succeed, it gives me the confidence to tackle even greater challenges. Setting attainable goals and achieving them is not only great for building time management skills, it’s good for your mental health and personal development.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, try to have some fun and keep everything in perspective. It is easy to get caught up in the self-important rhetoric clouding D.C. Remember that you are still a student, and while you should use your time here wisely, also take moments for yourself. Go for walks around the District, plan staycations with your friends or try a new restaurant – anything that will break up your daily routine.

These next four years will be invaluable. At GW, we have opportunities to explore disciplines and jobs related not only to politics, but also the arts, sciences and humanities. Our University is always growing and improving as it looks to provide students with a top-notch education and prepare them for a 21st-century job market.

Reach out to the SA if you ever need help or have questions about what GW has to offer. And feel free to stay connected with both me and Executive Vice President Avra Bossov on Facebook and Twitter.

Enjoy your time at Colonial Inauguration, and welcome to GW.

Nick Gumas, a senior double-majoring in political communication and political science, is president of the Student Association.