Dear Class of 2020,

It’s almost time. The moment we waited for all second semester of senior year: college. Two months ago, many of us were still in high school. Two months from now, we’ll all be starting a new school year at our new home. It’s a whirlwind of emotions, but even in the eye of the hurricane, we’re in control of it all.

I’m sure many of you are on Twitter and Facebook and I’m sure many of you have seen those “Common White Girl” accounts that blow up Twitter on the daily. One day of the second semester of my senior year, while scrolling through my Twitter feed, I came across an open letter to incoming high school freshman from a graduating senior. It described in detail how the lasts come fast and you need to make the most of the time you have in high school. I have taken this concept and tweaked it for our class. Those seniors on Twitter reminisce on their past memories and are saddened by how fast they flew by, but I’m here to say, don’t.

Sadness is a healthy emotion, but instead of one day looking back and feeling sad about how fast our four years at Saint Mary’s flew by, take the time to prepare to look back and express gratitude for the time that you were given at our home away from home.

Be outgoing and be adventurous. This is the same thing they tell you when you start high school, but the concept applies to college as well. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone. As a self-proclaimed ambivert (a combination of an introvert and an extrovert), this is often hard for me, but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Try a new club once school begins or introduce yourself to a new group at Belles Beginnings. Who knows? You may make a new friend or find your new favorite hobby.

Take pictures (and videos). Some people say live in the present and that pictures can ruin a moment. I beg to differ. Pictures are perfect keepsakes of that little moment of time. Whether you’re laughing with friends in the middle of a Notre Dame football game or having an Meredith Grey and Cristina Yang-inspired impromptu dance party in the residence halls, these little moments are what make you and your friends individually you. Forget worrying about filling up your phone’s memory with too many pictures - cloud storage was invented for this reason.

Be gracious, be kind, be humble. The gift of education is a beautiful thing that not all young adults get to take part in. A Saint Mary’s education, on the other hand, is even more special, with it’s focus on developing us as well-rounded women of faith. I may have only been on campus a handful of times, but I can already see that Saint Mary’s will enrich us in ways we cannot begin to understand. Start being thankful for it now. Thank your parents for their help, love, and support throughout senior year application time until now. Thank your teachers who helped you get here, but most importantly, thank yourself by working to create the bright future you have planned for yourself.

Everything happens for a reason, and I believe that God put Saint Mary’s in His plan for each one of us for a reason. Take relief in the consolation that He put opened the door to this beautiful college for us and get ready to live with abandon and enjoy the next four years.

Sincerely,