College is a time when many things take place: Finding yourself, meeting new people, making friendships, stepping outside of your comfort zone, doing things you never thought you’d do and perhaps even meeting the love of your life. All of this takes place on top of balancing school work and/or a job.

One thing that’s for sure is there are plenty of memories being made; however, it can also be those same memories you hold dear that can later come back to haunt you. That is why it is extremely important to make sure whatever you’re doing now, you are doing so with a conscious mind of the impact it shall make on you and your future.

Just think: What if that picture you took while drunk out of your mind and posted to Facebook resurfaces when a potential employer is conducting a background check on you? Imagine him or her finding it with all the evidence of what you did that night (ahem, that can of Heineken or the guy that’s passed out behind you on the floor). What about that record you now have from those nights you drove home drunk and got charged with a DUI? These types of things could be the very factors that make the difference between getting the job of your dreams or going back to the job you worked during college. It may sound drastic, but this is very real.

I’m no expert and I’m not trying to portray myself as perfect; however, I do believe that this is a topic worth reiterating. I plan on using all of the long time and hard work I’ve spent in college as my security for placement in the workforce and in future endeavors. While I may be young and like to enjoy myself just as any other person my age would, I still know I have a duty to myself to make sure I am not completely screwing my life over by making poor decisions.

“When I am out and about I try to represent myself in a way that would reflect positively on who I am,” said Alexandria Kapsalis, junior pre-physical therapy major. “Students should do this, too, and just think before posting certain things online or exposing things about themselves that isn’t for everyone to see or know.”

The opinion of Joshua Nixon, sophomore energy and environmental technology major, differed a bit. He said while he believes students should always think about their future before doing things, “it is ultimately about the way you present yourself. Great confidence and skills can sometimes help to get people to look past those mistakes you made.”

Yes, it’s good to enjoy your college years, as you won’t ever get this time back. At the same time, try to keep in mind any wrong you do now can later be implemented into your future and cause you much hardship if you aren’t careful.

Have fun, but be smart. There aren’t always second chances to correct what’s already been done.