Through all the conversations I’ve had, speeches I’ve given and letters I’ve written, this is by far the toughest.

Certainly when reading this, there will be those who will revert back to the events of September 2011 and feel the need to relentlessly inquire as to those questions left unanswered, though they weren’t without resounding speculation. Undoubtedly, there are also those that will completely disregard this letter, and I am content with that. My message is simple, and it goes to every freshman, senior and anyone who dreams of a life worth living: At the end of the day, have no regrets.

Now, those words may seem frivolous coming from a 22-year-old soon-to-be college graduate, but I beckon you to hear me out.

I came to UA from an indigent region in Mississippi not unlike Alabama’s Black Belt, and like many out-of-state students, I chose UA because of scholarship offers. Many today may search through CW archives and classify me as the white fraternity guy who accepted Machine support. The funny part is that I had no intention of joining greek life when I came to UA, and I still have a vivid memory of walking with a friend down University Boulevard, wondering what the heck “Beta Theta Pi” was.

If I could meet the wide-eyed freshman that I once was, bursting with ambition to begin medical research and dreams of curing cancer, I’m not entirely sure he would recognize me at all.

And I love it.

I can look back on where I was four years prior to now, knowing that because my goals have changed and I have become the person I am, I never denied opportunity when it came knocking. Every experience will shape your attitude and your future. It is certain, as I’ve learned, that you’ll never know who you are until you know who you aren’t.

At the end of the day, do you want to lay your head down to sleep, saying, “I wish I would have?” or “I wonder what would have happened if?”

Step outside your comfort zone. Meet people. Learn things. Get knocked down. Remember that the things you don’t say are just as imperative as the things you do say.

One day, you’ll look back on where you are now and wonder who you were, and you’ll know that you took full advantage of each moment. You must simply try to, at the end of the day, have no regrets.

Grant Cochran is a former SGA president.