Dear High School Stenedria,
If I were to tell you of all the things that would happen during your first year of college, you probably wouldn’t believe me. That’s how crazy and spontaneous this world is. It gives you possibilities and opportunities to find yourself and work wonders that make you step back and say, “Wow!” Life isn’t what you’ve thought for so long. It’s much more. It’s hard to describe, but think about this. Remember when you were little and too young to possibly comprehend that out hometown was the whole world because that’s all we’ve known—all we’ve ever seen? It’s a lot like that. What our hometown does or has is completely different. There’s a new atmosphere, a different tension, a different look. I can show you in the form of advice from your later life.
To begin, I want to stress the the sentence, “Don’t stress”. Ironic isn’t it, given our past. I know you worry about taking the SAT and ACT and passing all your classes to graduate, but listen well when I say, “the stress wasn’t worth it. It took a toll of you emotionally and physically. I didn’t like it. It was to the point when Mother worried. Everything will be fine. Spoiler alert: you pass your classes and your standardized tests. You get accepted into a great college. You graduate high school and start the next chapter of your life. You’ll see. This doesn’t mean stop whatever you’re doing (except stress—leave the stress out completely). You’re a hard-worker and it will get you far. It already has.
What I wanted to do at the beginning of high school isn’t what I’d be interested in studying in college. For instance, it’s just like little kids wanting to be astronauts, president, or ballerinas. They may want to then but their interest may change. The same applies to you. I know you don’t like change, but this is actually a good change. Trust me. Along with good changes, the school you initially favor may not have what you want to study. This is ok. There are other options. The school and the location will work out—and it has. You’ve truly blossomed at this place. It’s wonderful. The family is so proud of you.
Once you get to the college, you will find yourself trying things you never thought you would. Nothing extreme of course. I still have some introverted-ness intact. Sporting events, for example: remember when you found sports to be boring? I can honestly say that by going to some of the games first semester, you will learn which you like and which you hate. Notice I didn’t say “love”. I’m still not a big sports person. This hasn’t changed. The phrase, “get involved on campus,” is taken very seriously. Joining clubs is all part of that; however not to the point where academics are in jeopardy. You have boundaries. You will find a variety of people in college. They’re super nice and want to help. They care. These are not scary people. What I’m saying is there’s no reason to feel like you won’t have friends in college. You will and quite easily if I might add. I won’t spoil any big details for you, but I will say the people helped broaden my way of thinking and further your growing as an individual. You’re more free-spirited. You appreciate the beauty of life more. You’re perspective on topics change a bit but you still keep your own opinion. I always loved how open-minded you are. In a world like this open-mindedness is an important value. The world is always in a constant flux. While I say all this, I also say keep in touch with the amazing people from home. No matter where you go in this world, you can’t forget where you came from. Stay humble in everything you do.
Back to the topic of stress and overwhelming. I meant what I expressed earlier, but today, I still stress. I haven’t had a big breakdown (yet), but I’m on guard. School was my number one motivation in life and it remains to be the same. You learn all this in time, but for the time being: do the best you can. If your best isn’t satisfactory with the assignment, accept and try harder next time. Don’t push yourself to burn-out (I think that’s what it’s called). Instead of being hard on yourself, take it all in stride. Instead of “I should’ve been better” say “Oh, well. There’s a next time.” There’s always a next time.
Well, those are the big topics. The experiences here change you, but never let them change who you are. That is absolutely essential. Take care of yourself.
Yours truly,
College Stenedria
