Letter to My Younger Self: Chris Loschiavo, Mississippi State ’05
Chris,
This is me (you) writing to you (me) from twenty-five years in the future. I know, I know—it doesn’t make sense and seems impossible. Just throw in the Back to the Future VHS and accept my forthcoming advice. Today’s date is January 8, 2025, and you are in August 2000. I’m writing to shed some light on what I’ve learned over the last two and a half decades since I was in your shoes (literally). No, I’m not going to help you get rich by telling you the outcomes of future sporting events (see Back to the Future). Instead, I’d like to give you something infinitely more valuable: advice on what to expect in the coming months, semesters, and the next twenty-five years.
You’re new to Phi Delta Theta, but you’re not new to its Cardinal Principles. You already have a strong track record of making good friendships; you’ve consistently demonstrated your commitment to sound learning and education (though I recommend taking your first couple of years in college more seriously—hint, hint); and your faith in God has kept your moral compass pointing straight. However, what you are not (yet) familiar with are the Fraternity’s future concepts of Adaptive Leadership, Fulfilled Potential, and Lifelong Engagement. This isn’t your fault—you just haven’t had the experiences yet to develop these skills. But trust me, you will. You will gain experiences in spades. Learn from them so you can continuously improve yourself and lift up others.
Adaptive Leadership
You have no way of knowing this yet, but your entire life and future will dramatically change in just over a year. Everything you think you know about yourself, the world, and your future will shift before the spring semester of your sophomore year. Eventually, you will commit yourself—and your life—to serving others in the most rewarding way possible. You will embark on a life calling that will train you in adaptive leadership in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Here’s an important newsflash that will help: you don’t know everything, and “your way” is not always the best way. People receive and react to information differently. Learn to adapt to how others think and communicate. Real leaders take the time to understand those they lead. They are adaptable. (I know you don’t see yourself as a leader yet. I also know you struggle with self-doubt and low self-esteem. That won’t fully change, but you will learn to manage it—take heart!)
Being adaptive does not mean you’re indecisive or a weak leader—quite the opposite. Be adaptive!
Fulfilled Potential
I’ll be blunt: to reach your full potential, you need to:
- Believe in yourself and stop listening to the lies you tell yourself.
- Trust others.
- Work hard.
- Most importantly, put the needs of others ahead of your own.
As long as you’re focused on yourself, you will never reach your full potential. Remember, we enjoy life by the help and society of others. The more you become the help and society for others, the more you will achieve. Trust me on this: serve others to achieve your full potential.
Lifelong Engagement
Phi Delta Theta isn’t just a group of guys you hang out with in college. It’s an organization devoted to developing leaders—one you should stay engaged with long after graduation. I know it will be difficult (you’ll see), but you will feel more fulfilled if you seek opportunities to stay involved. You will have a lot to offer—to both GHQ and actives.
Don’t settle for the bare minimum or passive participation. Become a monthly donor as early as possible (any amount counts!), volunteer, and seek ways to serve.
In Conclusion
Younger Chris, you have quite the road ahead! Enjoy the highs. Learn from the lows. Become an adaptive leader by putting others first and adjusting to them. Reach your full potential by serving others and accepting both your strengths and your flaws. Stay engaged with Phi Delta Theta—support GHQ, mentor actives, and give back to the Foundation.
Above all, serve others, because:
“To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I thought to be my duty.”
Lieutenant Colonel (US Army) Chris Loschiavo is a graduate of Mississippi State University and Liberty University. Over the last twenty years, Lt. Col. Loschiavo has served in various positions of increased responsibility while serving as an active duty army engineer officer. He currently lives in North Carolina with his wife and children and will retire from the Army in June 2025.
