Dear Senior Self,

You have been at Longwood for four semesters now. Only one of those semesters have been typical, the rest not so much. The COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted your last three semesters greatly. Despite the challenges, you have prospered. You have maintained your grades, joined new clubs/organizations, met new people, stepped out of your comfort zone, and your love for speech pathology has grown.

You are now secretary of NSSLHA, a member of the SHAV student committee, a member of the SHAV social-media subcommittee, and a member of the Wesley foundation.

While you have already accomplished more than you ever expected, there is much more to conquer. Here are some new goals to meet in your last year here:

• Get more involved- Join more clubs and become more involved in the Longwood community. Doing this will not only allow you to make meaningful connections that will be beneficial in the future, but also become a larger part of the Lancer community.
• Volunteer- Give back to the community. Take initiative in taking time out of your schedule to help those who cannot help themselves. You know how much joy you get from helping others, so make the most of being in an environment that is so abundant with opportunities to do so.
• Attend a Graduate Program for Speech Pathology- Complete your applications, take the GRE, shadow current speech pathologist’s, continue networking and building your resume. Most importantly, keep your grades up and stay focused on your goal. No matter which school you get into or decide to go to, don’t forget where all of your meaningful knowledge of the CSD field came from.
• Become a better leader- While you have already taken on a leadership position in NSSLHA, aim to become a leader of more clubs/organizations you are a part of. There is no limit to leadership. Be an example for other women in your family and community. As you know from your experience of NSSLHA secretary, leadership positions are essential to professional and character development. Shoot for the stars.

As Soren Kierkegaard once said, “Life is best understood backwards, but must be lived forward.” Take the risk, learn from its benefit or consequence and keep moving on.

Good luck,

Past You