Hi Ashlee, I hope you’re doing well today. I know it might be overwhelming, looking at the end of your senior year and wondering where all those years went. To be honest, I am tearing up a little as I write this and think about how fast it has gone.

It’s likely been a while since we had a chat, so let’s take this time to reflect on your life so far. I am sure that it has been a wild ride through college, through all of your classes, friendships, relationships, trials and tribulations, and so much more. But I am sure you will agree with me and say that it is all worth it in the end. You are worthy. You deserve this degree, you have worked so hard for it. Do not doubt for a second that you are not worthy of the best things in life, no matter what has happened between the time I write this and what has happened since.

During this time, I hope that you have stayed in touch with CJ, Renny, Emili, and Robert, even though CJ and Renny left before you. They gave you so much support and love during your first Fall and Spring semester. Also, I hope that you have continued working diligently on your schoolwork and striving to get the best grades you can. However, I trust you on both of these things. You lived for Friday night Dungeons and Dragons, and your GPA at the end of your Fall semester was a 3.64. You even got President’s List in the Spring, despite the challenges you faced. I expect great things in the future. Finally, I encourage you, whenever you read this, to collect phone numbers and keep in touch with all your friends. Dad always said that your best friends will come from college.

I encourage you to never lose your youthfulness, but keep your serious side for when it needs to come out. Nursing is not an easy career, and it does require some seriousness, but when you’re at home, don’t be afraid to live it up. You are only young once, and we only get one life. Live it to the fullest. Also, I encourage you to never give up on your dreams. You’ve come this far, there is no reason to give up now. You have a smart head on your shoulders and a realistic outlook. You can do whatever you set your mind to.

I hope that this letter has found you well, perhaps chastised you a bit, and made you smile. Maybe you’ll even look back and wonder what was going through my mind when I wrote this. But if you take nothing else away from this, take this. I believe in you, and you can manage whatever lies ahead.

Sincerely,
Ashlee Ratliff

Completed May 27th, 2020.