The annual freak-out-colleges-are-going-to-see-my-weekend-antics Facebook name change spree has begun. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for avoiding ruining your future due to the red solo cup photos all over your timeline. But, changing your name is a pretty big decision.

Despite the fact that there is a very, very, very small chance that colleges – in particular large universities – are actually going to take the time to search each applicant on Facebook, changing your name is somewhat of a rite of passage. We don’t even think to question why we’re all doing it, and just follow along because it seems like the thing to do.

If you’re planning on changing your name, what to change it to is always the big question. Do you go for the classic middle name replacing the last name (as I did), last name switched with a friend’s, or do you opt for something a little more creative, punny or silly?

Keep in mind though that whatever you do decide to make your name on Facebook, the decision can be life-altering. After you do it, there is no turning back. There is no changing. You are stuck with it, and let me assure you, you will be referred to as whatever you decide to make your name for the rest of your time at Whitman.

At this point, I can’t recognize half the people that pop up on my timeline, but it seems only natural. None of us really know if we need to do it, but we all do it anyway.