Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s been a while since my last post. I’ve spent the first seven weeks focused on projects to lay the groundwork for my word of the year: Simplify. I underestimated how much thought and work would go into simplifying things to create the free space needed to take on more challenging work. I appreciate your patience and thank you in advance for understanding.
To start off the year, I thought I would share a message I wrote this week to a first-year UT student who sent a message to our website asking for advice. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm and a desire to connect with the UT community. It was clear from their message that they are looking to be purposeful and intentional with their time at the University.
It is my honor that they sought advice from me. I’m happy to share some of my thoughts below from the message I sent this week.
If you are a mentor, feel free to share it with others who are in a similar situation—whether they are going to UT Austin or another university.
Welcome to the University of Texas at Austin! You've officially joined the Longhorn family, and that's something to be incredibly proud of. As an alum, I'm thrilled to share some advice to help you make the most of your time on the Forty Acres. I hope this advice proves valuable to you as you begin this exciting chapter.
So, to you and all your incoming Longhorn compatriots, here's some advice based on my experience as a student and as a volunteer/donor to the University:
Embrace the Experiment: College is a time for true exploration. Don't be afraid to experiment with different courses, clubs, study groups, learning styles, and ways to stay organized. Figure out what works best for you—this is so important. Experiment to find out your style, pattern, and preferences. There's no single "right" way to do college, so focus on discovering how you naturally strive and thrive, both academically and personally. Take classes that stretch your thinking and cultivate creativity, innovation, compassion, and thoughtfulness.
Values-Driven Connections: You'll meet a diverse array of people at UT. Seek out those whose values align with yours and listen to others whose views may be different but who articulate them thoughtfully so you can seek to understand others. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you to grow powerfully, both professionally and personally, and who have kindness and integrity. Consider attending sessions at The Center for Leadership and Ethics at the McCombs School of Business. Take leadership seriously, observing good leadership, learning from others who could improve on their leadership, etc. Leadership is what makes or breaks families, communities, companies, countries, and societies. The real secret is that each of us must be a brilliant and benevolent leaders to attract others and to inspire others to accept and achieve the big goals we have set for ourselves. Brilliance is important but so is being a good human being who respects people.
Engage with Faculty: Don't be a stranger to your professors! Talk to them, ask questions, and get involved in their work if possible. The more you invest in your education, the more they'll invest in your growth. I learned a great deal from my professors. We could always have more mentors in our corner.
Immerse Yourself in the UT Experience: Attend games, join clubs, explore campus, and make new friends. UT is a special place, and you'll want to soak up every bit of it. Don't just go to class and leave—truly immerse yourself in the vibrant campus culture.
Financial Wisdom for the Future: Take a personal finance course offered, even if you're a business major. These topics are different and more nuanced to personal matters and value alignment. I think of it as financial decision-making. It’s hard to make those decisions if you do not know all the matters to consider or the choices available. Learning how to manage your finances is crucial for your future success. Think long-term about your financial decisions, even something as seemingly common as buying a car. This one decision can have a massive impact. For instance, consider the emergence of autonomous vehicles (AV). A new car purchase today might not be as valuable in a few years when AVs become widespread. Instead of buying new, consider a high-retention value used vehicle. I've found that buying fewer cars and investing those saved dollars can significantly contribute to building a seven-figure investment portfolio over time. Yes, that one purchase decision can be that significant to your financial well-being.
The Power of the Alumni Network: Join the Texas Exes after graduation! Consider volunteering at the alumni center while you are a student. Connecting with UT alumni can open doors to invaluable advice, job opportunities, and mentorship. This is a group you will want to be a part of for the rest of your life.
[If you are looking for further inspiration to stay connected, here is Michael Dell’s 2003 Commencement address. His words stand the test of time. —added for the blog]
Lifelong Learning: Attend the various lecture series offered by the university. Expand your knowledge base beyond your major. Learning about different subjects, from computer science to public policy to music, can broaden your perspective and inform your decisions, both personally and professionally. As a career professional, we pay to attend such events, programs, and lectures. If you have the opportunity while on campus and get to go for free, or pay a student rate, take advantage of it. Take good notes and start compounding your own perspective. It will help you be a better leader, contribute to society, and build your wealth.
Business Acumen for Everyone: If you're not a business major, consider a business minor at the McCombs School of Business. Understanding business principles, finance, accounting, marketing, and leadership are essential in today's economy, regardless of your chosen field. This knowledge will empower you in your career, which will in turn expand your personal financial opportunities!
Don't Face Challenges Alone: If you encounter difficulties, reach out to your dean's office. They can connect you with resources and support systems designed to help students navigate tough situations. Don't let a problem turn into a big one. A financial matter, which may result in you dropping out of school made without guidance, could potentially lead to a seven-figure mistake in lost wages over a long-time horizon. Seek help when you need it. There are programs, scholarships, and work programs you may qualify for—explore all options before making costly decisions that will change the trajectory of your life.
Give Back: Take advantage of all the great opportunities UT has to offer. Take it ALL in! Once you graduate and pretty quickly establish yourself, remember to give back to UT. Share your time, talents, and resources to help future generations of Longhorns, just like those who helped you. That is what people did for me back in the 1990’s. And their support, plus the university’s great curriculum and my academic achievements, allowed me to have the chance to share some words of advice to you. You too will be called upon to help those who are coming up behind you. Accept the honor to share your words of advice based on your experience. This is probably one of the best legacies we can leave this world. Someone did it for me; I’m doing it for you. Already, we have covered 30 years in just our connection. Imagine how far we can go…
Your time at UT will be transformative. Embrace the opportunities, learn from your experiences, and build connections that will last a lifetime. Enjoy every moment on the Forty Acres, and welcome to the Longhorn family!
Sincerely,
Rachel