Dear Senior Self,
Your freshman year was definitely unforgettable and not what you had ever imagined it would be, both in positive and negative aspects. You never got to experience your first Spring Weekend or go to your first Pig Roast or go to Yellowstone. The goodbyes to your freshman dorm and new friends came unexpectedly and early. However, you were so lucky to have such great friends and made so many unforgettable memories in such a short time. Looking into the future, I would never be able to guess where you will be or what life will throw at you, but I do know one thing: you have always persevered and come out better than you had ever imagined. Just in your first year at college, you grew into a new person and I know you will continue to evolve. I know your first year taught you to never take the people and the time you have with them for granted, and I am so proud of you for making it this far.
There are a few things I hope you have accomplished by the time you’re reading this as a senior. If you haven’t met these goals, that’s okay because I know you’ve done what you thought was best and you did all that you could.
In regards to scholarship, I hope you’ve truly found your passions and stick with them. I know you’ve had some doubts before, but you finally saw through that and you have ended up exactly where you need to be. I know as of right now you are considering going to graduate school, but you have some doubts. Whatever your decision ends up being, I know you are going to continue to do great things. You have accomplished so much in an academic standpoint, even when the odds were never quite in your favor, and I know you will continue to grow and see your capabilities. Although scholarship is a top priority in your life and should always be a main goal, please make sure you take care of yourself first. You can’t accomplish anything academically if you don’t take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
Now in regards to service, I hope you put your efforts to causes that match your passions. I also hope you put yourself outside of your comfort zone, and hopefully find a few new interests. Whatever you decide to do, never lose sight of the goal and always put your community first. Whatever you decide to do, always remember, if you’ve made a difference in just one person’s life, you’ve accomplished your goal.
Saving the best for last, in regards to community, there is so much opportunity for you. I find it so hard to make specific goals for you in this aspect, so I am going to make this short and sweet. Again, all I can really say is put yourself out of your comfort zone and really push yourself. I know you pretty well, and I know you can overcome any challenge. You will get rejected, as you’ve seen, but that’s okay. Just remember where those rejections have gotten you; keep a positive mindset and move forward.
I can’t wait to look back in a few years and see what you think of this and reflect on what you’ve done.
-H