Welcome to Middlebury and to our First Year Seminar. For a whole lot of reasons, Fall 2012 should unfold as an indelible three-and-a-half months. You’re finally a college student. What awaits?

Between now and December 15th or so, plan to bond with folks from all corners of the world; some are likely to be dear friends for life. Get ready to learn how to learn in a liberal-arts community. Look for opportunities to fail. (You read that right: we’ll talk!)

Over the next 100 days, you will muddle through. You will have memorable periods of elation, discouragement, depression, redemption, appreciation, overload and finally contentment.

In the weeks ahead, aspire to discover a more mature form of self-awareness and of self-reliance. Aspire to reflect, connect, analyze and engage.