Dear Freshman Year Me,
Your freshman year is such an amazing time in your life. You are going to experience and learn so much this year, you have no idea. I think it’s sweet that you still think you’re going to wear a cute outfit and get up early every day like you did in high school. This is not high school. Seriously, why are you doing your hair and makeup every day? Stop. Wear Nikes and a T-shirt and you’ll be just fine, because in college no one cares what you look like. Take advantage and enjoy being able to sleep in! This is one of the only times in your life that you’re going to be able to sleep in and stay up late, so enjoy it. You will be able to wake up early for work and go to bed around 10 the rest of your life, so go ahead and hit that snooze.
You decided not to join a sorority and that’s OK. I know you’re feeling bummed about your decision and you’re worried if you made the right one, but you did. You are going to make so many great friends this year and three in particular that will probably be bridesmaids in your wedding one day. Believe me, you are your own person and make friends so easily, you’re going to have no problems with that. Yeah, you probably would have loved to be in a sorority, but you also love the friends you’re going to make and the life you have now. Don’t doubt yourself, trust that you made the right decision for you.
You and him are not going to work out. I know it’s hard to believe, but be strong. You are growing up and sometimes people change. As hard as it is to watch, he is going to change in a big way and you have to accept that. Please understand that there is nothing you can really do, but always, always stand up for yourself. When your feelings get really hurt and he does things that make you cry, don’t think it’s because of you and then try to change yourself to make him want you more. You’ve grown apart and it’s time to let him go. You had great years together, but it doesn’t always work and you have to accept that. Be proud of how you treated him and know you really gave it your all. Learn and grow from it. Please know you deserve a love that is unselfish, rewarding, mutual, happy, never-faltering, mature, honest, kind, and deserving, and you will get it. I promise.
You will grow up very quickly this year. You will encounter scenarios that are going to test you and you must make decisions and take actions that you’ve never had to before. You won’t always know what the right thing to do is, but feel confident in yourself that you can make the best decision possible. Always do your best to stay strong. When you get your first really bad grade, don’t cry. Instead, take it constructively. The world will not end and everything will work out. Work harder and be confident that you can do this, because I know you can.
Remember your roots. Remember where you came from and what you believe in. You know yourself, so stay true to yourself and make decisions that make you proud of yourself. Call home and enjoy every time you get to go home. Your family and friends are the reason you’ve made it this far and they deserve all the credit where credit is due. Mommy misses you like crazy and so what if you call her all the time? You guys have been best friends all of your life and it’s hard for her to not see you that much. Daddy loves to hear from you and I know he misses you. Don’t forget to call your sister too because as you guys get older, you’re still best friends and must make a bigger effort to talk to each other. Remember, they are the reason you are the person you are today.
Your first year of college is going to be a great one, but not without its challenges. You will learn so much about yourself and the person you want to be. Always remember to be strong and believe in yourself.
Yours Truly
