Letter to My Younger Self: Rob Pasquinucci, Ashland ’93
Dear 1990 me,
It’s winter in Ashland, and you’re traipsing across a snowy campus to visit the chapter house and learning the ways of Fraternity life. Joining Phi Delta Theta has already added color and excitement to life on campus in ways I couldn’t dream of last semester. While being a Phikeia has its burdens, you have no idea how the bonds you make on this little campus in the middle of Ohio will stay with you the rest of your life.
College will continue to be an adventure, so soak in every minute as you work and play hard. Continue to take risks. Yes, there will be failures, but those will only lay the groundwork for future success.
Your education that starts here on campus will take you far, but it’s the moments outside of class with the friends in the chapter house or walking to campus that will help build relationships that will sustain you throughout your life. Many of the men you meet through this brotherhood will support you through some of the hardships that are, unfortunately, part of everyone’s life, even yours. These men will hold you up when your heart is broken and celebrate every joyous moment.
Life will be unfair at times. You’ll suffer career setbacks, and at times, people you love will let you down. But the experiences you have on campus are helping prepare you for what life has in store. The world will be a very different place in thirty years. Remain true to who you are and to those you love.
Your career will take you many places and down many paths. Be open to these changes and have the courage to pivot to new things. Find and double down on the things that make you happy and don’t chase anything that doesn’t give you joy.
The Fraternity will instill in you a sense of duty that will be a thread throughout your life. You’ll be on the sidelines at your kids’ sporting events, volunteer in your community, and ride your bike to raise money for worthy causes. Morrison’s quote, “To do what ought to be done, but would not have been done unless I did it, I saw to be my duty,” is something that will resonate with you.
The other thing that Phi Delta Theta gave you is a moral compass, which, along with your years in Catholic schools, will guide you when making tough decisions and leading others.
So, I hope you’re excited for the future. You’ll never forget the experiences you’re having now, and you’ll still be able to recite the Greek alphabet when you’re in your fifties (not that it will do you much good). And, when you drive up to the chapter house for your Silver Legion, you won’t believe how big those pine trees our pledge class planted have gotten!
Rob Pasquinucci, Ashland ’93
