Starting college is an exciting time. New classes, new friends, new clubs, and a world of freedom and opportunities all hitting at once. It’s fresh and fun, but it can also feel overwhelming, like you’re drowning in choices.

My advice? Say yes. Yes to new experiences. Yes to clubs, sports, or student organizations. Yes to coffee with a professor or chatting with someone in your dorm hallway.

College is the time to explore, and the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Saying yes doesn’t mean doing everything or stretching yourself too thin—it means being open to opportunities that could change your life.

Showing Up at My Sorority

I learned this firsthand when I joined my sorority. At first, it felt like too much. So many new faces, so many events, so many rules and social constructs I didn’t understand. Honestly, I considered backing out. But I kept showing up, saying yes to as many activities as I could manage.

Slowly, I found my people. I met a group of girls who now, three years later, are some of my best friends. That one decision to keep showing up, even when it was uncomfortable, completely shaped my college experience.

Opening New Doors on Campus

Saying yes opens doors. Joining clubs or attending events isn’t just about padding your resume. These experiences are about discovering new passions, building friendships, networking, and gaining exposure you can’t get anywhere else.

Even classes or workshops that seem intimidating at first can teach you resilience, creativity, and confidence. Each yes is a step toward growth, and even small ones can lead to unexpectedly meaningful experiences.

Balance to Avoid Burnout

Of course, saying yes doesn’t mean sacrificing your mental health. College can be intense, and it’s okay to take breaks. Listen to your body and mind while prioritizing what really matters. Rest, recharge, and return to opportunities with energy.

Balance is key! You can say yes to life without burning out. The goal is engagement, not exhaustion.

Becoming a “Yes Man”

Being a “Yes Man” in college is really about mindset. It’s about curiosity, courage, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t let fear or self-doubt stop you from exploring the possibilities in front of you.

Take that chance to join a club, attend an event, or talk to someone new. Those moments often become the stories, friendships, and memories you’ll treasure for years.

College is what you make of it. By saying yes, you’ll create a richer, fuller, more meaningful college experience. Don’t wait for opportunities to find you; seek them out.

Engage, explore, and embrace the adventure. In the end, you’ll look back not just at grades or a transcript but at the friendships, experiences, and stories that shaped who you are.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!