Letter to My Younger Self: Clay Coleman, Southwestern ’04

Letter to My Younger Self: Clay Coleman, Southwestern ’04

Dear Younger Clay,

I’m writing to you from a place of gratitude — gratitude for your drive, your ambition, and your heart. You are doing better than you think. But there are a few things I wish you would understand earlier.

First, have more patience with yourself. You are going to make mistakes — in leadership, in friendships, in judgment. That does not make you inadequate; it makes you human. Growth is rarely loud or glamorous. It happens quietly, often through missteps. Don’t rush your own development. Learn, adjust, and move forward without beating yourself up.

Second, practice public speaking more. Raise your hand. Volunteer. Put yourself in rooms that stretch you. You will spend much of your life speaking to groups — faculty, students, teams, boards — and confidence is built through repetition, not talent alone. The discomfort you feel now is temporary. The confidence you build will last decades.

Don’t sweat the small things you cannot control. You will waste energy trying to manage outcomes, opinions, and situations that were never yours to carry. Focus on your effort, your integrity, and your preparation. Let the rest go. Peace is found in surrendering what isn’t yours.

Spend more intentional, sober time with your fraternity brothers. Brotherhood is not built at the loudest parties — it is built in quiet conversations, shared meals, early mornings, and honest vulnerability. Years from now, you won’t remember the noise; you’ll remember the connection.

Seek both a mentor and a sponsor — and understand the difference. A mentor advises you, shapes your thinking, and helps you grow. A sponsor advocates for you when you’re not in the room. You need both. One develops you; the other opens doors for you. Be humble enough to learn and courageous enough to ask.

Run for Student Government President or for Chapter President. Don’t hesitate because you’re unsure if you’re “ready.” Leadership is not about feeling ready — it’s about stepping forward when others hesitate. Even if you lose, you’ll grow. And if you win, you’ll discover a voice you didn’t know you had.

As Captain of the college soccer team, be more vocal. Your teammates look to you more than you realize. Leadership is not just effort and example; it is communication. Speak up in the locker room. Encourage loudly. Correct respectfully. Set the tone with both your play and your words.

Don’t hold grudges. They are heavy, and you will be the one carrying them. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is strength and freedom. Most people are doing the best they can with the awareness they have at the time — just like you.

Respect all people. Everyone you meet carries experiences, struggles, hopes, and perspectives you cannot see. Differences are not threats; they are opportunities to learn. Treat people with dignity, especially when you disagree.

Finally, take intentional time to meditate and self-reflect. Sit in silence. Journal. Pray. Walk without distraction. The answers you search for externally often live internally. Clarity comes from stillness, not speed.

You are capable of more than you can currently imagine — not because of titles you will hold, but because of the character you are building. Be patient. Be courageous. Be kind. And remember: growth is a lifelong practice.

I’m proud of you.

With perspective and gratitude,
Older Clay