Perhaps the idea of pursuing one's passion sounds too cliche and simplistic; however from personal experience, following one's passion is indeed actually crucial for future freshman academic success.
Passion enables one to actually enjoy and finish those late night essays or to love presenting a complex idea and wondering how to top off the next presentation.
In the near future when you're wallowing in self-pity and self-deprecation, due to receiving your first failing grade on an assignment, passion gives you the strength to persevere and overcome that failure.