Dear Graduating Senior(s),
This is a letter to thank you for all you have done to welcome, befriend, and inspire me throughout my first year at college. When I came to school, I was terrified. I wasn’t confident in myself and I felt lonely being so far away from home. People said that I would meet some of my best friends in college, but when I arrived I couldn’t imagine who they would be. As a student at a small, liberal arts university, there were so many opportunities to meet lots of different people of all different backgrounds and ages. Even though we were in a sorority, class, or club together, I didn’t think that you would want to be friends with a freshman; we were all in different places in our lives, but sure enough, you befriended me. Although our different ages haven’t impacted our friendship, the wisdom that you have earned from three extra years of college taught me so much. Here is what I learned:
1. Age doesn’t define friendship.
When I came to college, I was so focused on defining myself by my age and didn’t see in what ways that mentality limited me. When I started to get to know you all (and this sounds silly), I was surprised to find that you were genuinely interested in getting to know me. You didn’t think I was immature because of my age and you didn’t dismiss my high school experiences as stupid or unimportant. I didn’t ever feel like I had to act older around you, we were all on the same playing field. If anything, the age difference helped our relationship because you were able to share your wisdom.
2. There are different types of friendships.
My freshman year taught me that all friendships are different. This lesson seems so simple, but I realized that each relationship I maintain serves a different purpose in my life. As a senior, you have been such a mentor to me and it feels good to know that you are always looking out for me. No, we don’t hang out every weekend or spend every waking moment together, but I know that you are there for me when I need you and I am grateful that you were able to advise me through the struggles of my freshman year.
3. You taught me to pursue my passions.
As crazy as this seems, I have always been afraid to pursue the things that I am passionate about. When I had the opportunity to follow my passions this year, fear clouded my head and I almost missed out on the chance to chase my dreams. I spent so much time following a path that was not meant for me because I focused too much on what I thought I should be doing. You were able to see through my fear and encourage me. I know that I wouldn’t be doing what I love today without your optimism and confidence in me and my abilities.
4. You taught me to believe in myself.
In times when I didn’t feel confident, you believed in me. You knew that I wasn’t going to choke in an audition or die during my finals -- you knew that I wasn’t giving myself enough credit and you weren’t afraid to validate me. I learned that it is okay to bomb a test or under-prepare for a presentation once in awhile and you were kind to me when I wasn’t always being kind to myself. Knowing that you had been through this before, I felt comforted when you assured me. I think you are so inspiring and your friendship gave me the confidence to believe in myself.
5. You taught me to live in the moment.
College is a time to have a vast variety of experiences. As a graduating senior, you taught me the importance of enjoying the people around me in the moment. When I look back at the memories from my freshman year, I will most definitely cherish our late night coffee runs, the time we spent at swing dance club, and all the times I crashed on your couch. I wasn’t always the best at putting down my books and making time for fun, but you showed me the value of balance.You showed me the importance of spontaneous experiences with people I love; those are the times I will always remember.
It is so bizarre to that I have known you for less than a year and yet, you have made a tremendous impact on my life. You have been by my side through one of the most critical years of my life and I can’t imagine the rest of my collegiate experience without you. Your friendship has meant the world to me and I will always be grateful for the lessons you taught me. I am so proud of your many accomplishments and I can’t wait to see you take on the world. I hope that some day, I can pay your kindness forward and be as compassionate and as inspiring to someone else as you have been to me.
Love,
A Freshman
