      This past week, while getting dinner in perhaps one of the most obscene dining halls to grace the city of Philadelphia or even the state of Pennsylvania (no exaggeration: rumor has it it very nearly didn’t pass health inspections last year), I think I received the most important advice I’ve ever gotten.
           Over a plate of tacos with unmelted strips of cheddar jack cheese, I was told this: “Smile, nod, and go do whatever the hell you want.” Though an unlikely location to receive these words of wisdom, I don’t know if I’ve heard anything so profound or relatable since I’ve been in college.
           Coming from a small high school in a small town where everyone knew everything about each other, I came to the conclusion that, whever I went, everyone would always be closely watching and judging whatever I did.
           However, sitting in Commons, pouring over the possibility that maybe not everyone in there even noticed I was there – let alone knew who I was or was concerned with the fact that I was also eating a waffle for dinner with my tacos – I think I realized that I have felt so much more comfortable as a small fish in a big pond than I ever did as a big fish in a small pond back home.
           As frightening as college sounds in theory to someone from a background like mine in terms of size and how many people remain strangers for your entire four years, it’s been oddly comforting to know that I truly have the volition and power to be and do whatever I want.
           Even if that means drinking four glasses of apple juice in one meal or chicken nuggets for breakfast. Or also, you know, bigger decisions – like what you’re majoring in, or whatever.
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