H-hi there.

Did I say that correctly?

What are words, even? Funny things, really.

I’m probably facing you wearing a smile that’s much too wide, persistently asking you if there’s anything I can do to help. Anything at all. My door’s right over there. Really.

I’m probably rummaging around in my brain for memories I made only a year ago. What was said to me? How did I grow accustomed to the ins and outs of Emory like I did? What if I say the wrong thing? Then countless seconds of backtracking because my already frazzled brain cannot handle that last thought at this moment.

Breathe, Anna. Speak words or something.

So where are you from?

That’s probably one of the first things with which I’ll open. You’re gonna hear that question about 50,000 more times today alone, but I truly do want to know the answer. I’m fascinated with where people around here come from, and you’ll probably find that you are too. Students can live anywhere from several minutes to several thousands of miles away, and suddenly that gap is bridged by a hallway or even a single wall. People who think their stories are ordinary will be proven wrong in an instant. Everyone has a tale to tell. I want to hear yours.

What are you majoring in?

STOP. Do NOT think for one moment that this answer needs to be ready. Please, my friend. I’ve said the word “undecided” so many times it’s long past the point of sounding funny and is more like a heartbeat forever on the tip of my tongue. If you do know what you want to do, I applaud you and will give my all to see that you achieve it. If you do not, I will applaud you all the same and will give my all to see that you find it. This is the place and the time. College is a wide world of experiences you never knew how much you needed. It is ripe with new passions and the death of old fears, the dawn of unexpected findings and the closed doors against ignorance. This is the place to explore. Find what you love. If you already have, learn why you love it. Seize every single moment, but don’t be afraid to recognize when something doesn’t fit and try a different path. You’ll be surprised at what you find but surely not disappointed.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

It doesn’t take much of a trek down memory lane to remember that as I moved my bundles of clothing, room decor, and mementos into my brand new home, I was more terrified than I think words adequately express. There isn’t really a way to prepare for what you’ll find in a college experience. And once you get here, you might find that every ounce of your being feels drowned in the sea of possibilities and opportunities perpetrated to you by brochures, websites, academic counselors, parents, etc. You won’t know how or where to begin.

And that’s where I come in.

I walked this road last year. In some ways, I’m still walking it. But I’m so desperately nervous standing before you now because I want to put my whole heart into seeing you succeed. You are ready. You’ve prepared for this moment your whole life in ways you probably didn’t even recognize. Your past is your foundation, your future is limitless, and your present is your adventure. You want to find and pursue what you love here? I am here to find you any club, class, activity, etc. to get you started. You want to get started but don’t know how? I’m ready to bust open some doors for you to walk right through. You need help transitioning into this ridiculous new life path on which you’re venturing?

My door is right over there. You’re welcome at any time.