Advice from Darth to Luke

I love my father, but recently I have realized that he has failed me in a major way. To give a slight backstory, my family is not comprised of the most talkative beings. I cannot say that as a group we have had extremely important conversations with each other and for the most part have successfully avoided all potentially awkward discussions. I do not fault my parents for not having any "life lesson" type conversations with me. However, there is one talk that I wish my dad had with me and it should have happened when I was about 13 or 14 years old.

When I was at that young, impressionable age. I wish my dad told me about college and more importantly what I should look for in a school. Having graduated from undergrad and even grad school, I now realize that academics, being close to family and friends, and athletic affiliations should have absolutely zero bearing on where you go to school. In the years since I have ceased attending classes, I have been awakened to what is paramount in the selection of a secondary institution.

As I mentioned, it has nothing to do with academics or proximity to home. Being comfortable is out of the question as well. Frankly, no matter where you go, you will be uncomfortable until you meet some friend type people. There are two factors that are of the upmost importance. Weather and girls.

Unless you like the snow and cold - do not go to school in Minnesota. The Spring, Summer, and Fall are beautiful here, but the Winter detracts all positive aspects of the other three until Spring arrives. If I were to give advice to a son or perhaps my nephew when he is about to enter high school, I would tell him this. Go to high school, get straight A's, build up a resume of extra-curriculars and then get the hell out of Minnesota when it comes time to choose a college. Then when you have your "perfect" college application. Go to California and hopefully, get into USC. Not only will you have excellent weather year round, you will also have some of the best eye-candy in the continental U.S.

If the USC cheerleaders are any indication of the remaining female student body at USC, you will not be disappointed. Sure, you might miss your parents and friends, but you can work on having one or several of those fine student bodies keeping you company on those "cold" 60 degree nights in California. Besides, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring, and Summer breaks mean you will have plenty of time to spend with the family and friends. Plus, you can always move back after graduating.