Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. The weather is cooler. There is a hint of color in the trees. And, another academic year of great promise begins. I’ve written previously about some of the keys to finding success in life, and those apply here, as well. For those of you who are attending college this fall, I’d like to share some keys to having a fantastic year.

1. Make one better decision every day

In the end, it will be your decisions that will have the greatest influence on your own success.

Jeffrey Hawkins, the founder of Palm and Handspring, spoke at Stanford in 2009 and said that whether you run a dry cleaner or a tech company, if you could just make one better decision each day, you would end dominating up your industry. So, I am going to take from Mr. Hawkin’s handbook and challenge you to make just one better decision each day as you start the academic year.

I’m going to challenge you to make ONE better decision about alcohol use. Data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism show that 1,800 college students die each year while under the influence of alcohol. That’s five deaths per day . It is a tragic and totally preventable statistic.

I’m going to challenge you to make ONE better decision about your personal relationships. ONE better decision about a healthy lifestyle. ONE better decision about time management. ONE better decision about service to your community. ONE better financial decision. ONE better decision about academics. ONE better decision about personal integrity.

2. Be about learning the “Skills of Freedom”

In his convocation speech this fall to students and faculty of The College of William and Mary, Judge John Charles Thomas urged students to be about “learning the skills of freedom;” to master the ability to “think well, write well, and speak well.” You, as students, must put forth the effort to learn how to think analytically, act ethically, read with interpretive skill, communicate effectively, and write strong, well-constructed sentences.

You must dedicate yourselves to developing an informed mind that can analyze, synthesize and execute. As Abigail Adams once wrote, “Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought with ardor and vigilance.” The continued success of our precious form of government depends on your generation’s ability to discuss, defend, and persuade for the public good.

3. Prepare to change the world

Your number one job while you are a student should be to dream about the possibilities for your life, and to prepare yourself to change the world. For many, you will never again be part of a community so laden with curiosity, vitality, intellect and talent.

Take full advantage of the resources at hand. Study abroad. Participate in research. Get involved in the arts. Join a team. Have earnest discussions with others. Fight for justice. Encourage inclusion and diversity of thought. Be open to new ideas and innovation. Ask those around you, “What better world can we imagine together?” Then, lean on the skills you are learning to turn the common dreams of many into the collective purpose of all mankind.

4. Make service to others part of your college life.

Contribute to the well-being of your school and your community. Be as generous as you can with your time and talents. Show hospitality and civility. Be there for your classmates. Stand up for what is right. Develop and practice the skills that will make you an outstanding leader in the world. Prepare yourself to create communities that not only meet basic human needs, but make the human spirit soar.

I believe very strongly you have a responsibility to use your knowledge and God-given abilities to make a positive contribution to your generation. Create within yourself a promise that life is not just about you; not just about being rich or famous – all of that can be taken away in a minute. Education is the one thing no one can ever take away from you, and the impact you make on others will be your legacy – forever.

5. Above all, finish what you have started.

When John F. Kennedy was president, about 10% of American adults had a four-year college degree. Today, roughly 42% of American adults have either a two or four-year college degree.

Before you graduate, 60 % of all American adults will need college degrees just to maintain our nation’s position in the world. America is still the second most educated nation in the world behind Norway. But, our young adults – your generation - are rapidly falling behind in the race to produce the next generation of entrepreneurs, researchers, and world leaders. Young Americans, ages 25 to 34, rank 11th in college degree attainment, trailing behind nations such as Australia, Finland, Korea, and Japan. And, of course, India and China are coming on strong.

I am telling you this because you need to know about the world you will be facing. Earning a college degree will transform your life. Failing to earn one will likely define it.

My best wishes to all for an invigorating and purposeful new academic year.