Dear Sam,
You, along with so many others, have made it through your first semester of college. This is no easy feat. You've met new people, immersed yourself in a completely different environment, lived away from home for the first time, took classes on your own time, and achieved a sense of independence far more extreme than you ever had before. Along with all this, you've experienced a spectrum of emotions, from happiness to loneliness to joy to fear.
First semester Sam, you did well. Second semester Sam, I urge you to do even better.
The first semester was all about figuring out what works for you: from your studying, eating, and exercise habits, to learning how to live with roommates and sharing space, to opening up to people and finding your group.
Second semester is all about continuing with what you learned first semester, and becoming an even better version of yourself.
Second semester is where you take charge of your daily routine, remembering how good it felt those days you got 8 hours of sleep, or did your homework without checking your phone, or ate a salad for dinner instead of pizza. At the same time, second semester is when you remember how full your heart felt even after waiting up until 2 am for food delivery while watching Peppa Pig videos or binge watching Glee with a pint of ice cream.
You'll find your balance between a full heart and a nourished body, I promise.
Sam, continue to open up even more to people who hadn't been in your life only a few months ago (which is crazy to think about now) and prepare for friendships of a lifetime. Cherish those moments where you stand huddled inside someone's room or outside the hallway (never during quiet hours, of course), laughing over God knows what and keeping life free and joyful. These will be the things you remember most over the years.
You've learned the ropes, now it's time to take control.
And this choice is up to you; your life is in your hands. Wherever you are now, I am infinitely proud of you. You keep putting yourself out there, and that in itself is an accomplishment.
You may have faced disappointment in the first semester, but that's okay. You've learned to trust the process, to never let anyone take away your joy, to be where you are always. You're putting less pressure on yourself, and I find that pretty beautiful. You're learning every day what it means to be you and to live your life experience.
Keep smiling, laughing, and radiating positivity always.
A friend told you tonight that "your laugh makes my life", and those kinds of words are what matter. You matter.
Second Semester Sam, you know all this already, the answers are all within. You know what you have to do to make this semester the best one yet (well, you'll probably continue saying that every semester, but still). I have nothing but faith in your grace, strength and intuition.
Now, go out there and kill them with kindness.
Xoxo,
Well, You
