Dear my Senior Self,
Freshman year was a lot of fun for me. I entered very hesitant about finding friends or succeeding in my classes, but I very quickly found that I could do both. I quickly made friends with my roommate and people on my hall, like my best friend. As for my classes, I put my whole into them; I worked hard to take notes and prepare for every class. Although I worked hard, I sometimes felt burdened by my own aspirations. “Could I do it?” I asked myself. It was strange to feel burdened by myself, but I finally decided to add French to my major. I quickly became much happier and more motivated knowing I was able to continue a passion of mine.
In the second semester, I added Creative Writing to my minor. Remember the workshop class I took with Dr. Hersey? I was terrified at first thinking I wouldn’t be able to handle criticism from my peers. I even considered dropping the class. However, I knew that I wanted to at least try this class, after all, I love to write fiction. Staying in that class was one of the best decisions I made Freshman year.
Outside of classes, I made great friends. Vi quickly became one of my closest friends, and I am so happy that I met her. Her personality works well with mine- while she is outspoken, in touch with her feelings, and can make everyone feel loved, I am driven, responsible, and academic. So my academic drive compliments her social drive- we make a great pair. I hope in my Senior year, I am still close friends with her. I also joined APO in my spring semester. Although I had only a few weeks to get to know my brothers, I already feel loved and accepted by all of them. Their love for service, leadership, and friendship matched my own. Like Vi, I hope to be close with them in my Senior year as well.
I hope I will continue to find things that I love, and will make those things a part of my life, in my Senior year.
Things I want to accomplish during my time at Longwood
- Continue to get A’s in my classes (but don’t feel guilty if you don’t- in the end, grades are meaningless)
- Continue to step out of my comfort zone to meet new people
- Be confident! Although speaking before my peers for presentations has gotten easier, I want to feel less scared or embarrassed.
- Accept criticism with an open mind. Already, I worked hard my Freshman year to be more open-minded to different opinions and ideas. I want to become more knowledgeable of my faults, ignorance, and areas where I lack so I can continue to grow.
- Wholeheartedly follow my dreams. Even know, I cringe while writing something so cliché, but it is nevertheless true. Without dreams, why bother? Besides, I have so many dreams and goals I hope to accomplish, and there is no better time to start than this moment.
- Fluent in French
- Learn other languages
- Taking advantage of all my study abroad has to offer
- Write as much as I want, when I want so I can someday share my ideas with the world
Most of this letter I realize is very nostalgic and wishful, but it is my hopes after my Freshman year.
Senior self, I wish you well and luck. I hope you made your time at Longwood everything it could be, and more.
Your Freshman Self,
Laura