Dear Future friends, colleagues, and (most importantly) Dutchmen,

Four years ago you were some immature kid about to enter the nerve-racking halls of high school. You were determined to make varsity in sports, hold a head position in an extracurricular club and somehow earn straight A's, juggling it all. Some showed their school pride through royal blue and gold or black red, all supporting the school mascot. However, no matter who you are or where you came from, you made it, you graduated.

College wasn't an easy choice. The SAT's and ACT's set you apart from the other students applying for college, always making the decision letters in the mail stressful. Through the application process and getting accepted, ranking your colleges and choosing your dream school, Lebanon Valley College came out on top.

Once I read a couple of quotes while scrolling through social media, “don’t close the book, just turn the page” and “although one chapter has ended, another has just begun”. And that is exactly what stands before us. College is a completely different lifestyle compared to high school (so I’ve been told) and you’ll only get out of it exactly what you put in. Join clubs, play sports, and most importantly, live. The classes may be a larger workload but don't forget to enjoy the ride.

When move-in day comes, some of us will be traveling hours while others will be minutes away. You might know a few faces but almost all will be strangers. Lebanon Valley is a new home away from home, even for commuters. Take a step outside of your comfort zone and say hello to a new freshman or upperclassmen. Take a larger step and become a part of the campus. I challenge us as freshmen to unite as a whole because 4 years is a short time together, might as well make the most of it.

I may know your name and what you look like but please know that I look forward to meeting you all as individuals come August. After all, we are all Flying Dutchmen, bleeding navy and gold.

To the many tears, nights without sleep, and the amount of student debt we'll all be in; I believe in us.

Sincerely, your future colleague and friend,

Delanie