Dear Senior Grace,

You did it, you’ve successfully completed your first year of college! Everybody knew you could do it, but you sometimes questioned it. It’s weird to think about how in just three years from writing this letter it will all be over.

Your first year was not just good, it was actually pretty great. Despite the rocky first few days, you were more than ready to be start this whole “adult” thing which consists of being independent and living under a different roof than your parents. Yes, you were nervous about the “making friends and meeting new people” thing, but you faced the challenge head on and have made some pretty great friends and acquaintances. Who knew the girl that was standing next to you the first morning of the Honors Retreat would be your friend not just for the first few days but the whole year AND next years roommate?? Life is pretty awesome like that. I am hoping that the great journey of college is only on an upward trend from here.

But, if it’s not and yet you still make it to this letter as a senior, just know that you’ve always had it in you to overcome and face your challenges with grace (a pun that I just HAD to make..).

I hope that despite your great first year, not just academically, you stay grounded, driven, and work just as hard as you did this past year. Nursing school will only get harder, but as you know you CAN do anything you put your mind to.

I hope you flourish in Alpha Phi Omega, the wonderful organization you jumped feet first into this past Spring. I hope you’re not afraid to continue making new friends, growing in leadership, and taking part in the wonderful opportunities this organization has to offer.

I hope you’re still not scared to make mistakes and grow from them. I hope you’re not afraid to ask for help when you need it. This is what college, and life, is all about. Even though you will be reading this as a Senior, know that you never stop learning.

I hope you’re as happy with the decision to go to Longwood as you were the day you got accepted, knowing you spent 4 years of your life in a truly wonderful place full of wonderful people.

But most of all I hope you’re happy, in the simplest sense.

With lots of love and hopes for a great future ahead,

xoxo Freshman Grace