Hello. It’s me.
(You won’t get that now, but in four years you will. Sorry in advance.)
You’re probably wondering a lot of things right about now. You’ve (somehow) made it through your first semester, and you're just starting to make it through semester two out of eight. And I know you’re really kind of hating it. You’re homesick, you’re feeling lonely, you’re feeling out of place. On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, you’re definitely experiencing FOMO, and you’re definitely trying to figure out if you’re “doing college right.” You’ve applied to transfer, just to see what’s out there. You’re resenting the fact that you’re (still) a freshman, when all you want to be is, well, not a freshman. But sophomore status is still a semester away, and all you can do is hang on. So hang on.
Yeah, right now, you’re absolutely miserable. But coming from Senior You, it’s going to get a lot better. Don’t get me wrong--you’re going to have many times over the next three and a half years where you will be angry, upset, sad, hurt, alone and confused. People will do you so wrong, whether they’re doubters, haters or body-shamers. You’ll grow apart from people you love. You’ll be objectified as a woman, and you’ll have to figure out how that makes you feel. (You will feel some type of way. Trust me.)
You’re also going to have some of the most rewarding opportunities come your way, and you’re going to take them. You’re going to get to work hard at things you love and realize you’re so, so passionate about: dance and writing and reading good books. You’ll write some poetry you’ll be really proud of and make dances you’ll value as a piece of yourself. And the best part? Doing these things will introduce you to some of the most incredible people you could ever hope to meet. So follow that passion even when the less-than-incredible people tell you “no” (and they will, but good news – you won’t have listened). You’ll meet people in the most unexpected moments, and some of those people will turn into amazing friends, too. You will find the most caring people, and maybe you’ll learn to care a little more about yourself.
(Well, if you say so, Ryan Gosling!)
You know what else? You’re going to get to travel the world. Because although college sometimes is the worst, sometimes it’s also kind of the best. And by taking advantage of all the great stuff college has to offer, you’re going to reap so many personal benefits (hi there, passport stamps and new international friends). You’ll try tapas in Spain, drink Guinness in Ireland and explore little old streets in Italy. Believe me, there’s a lot worth hanging in there for, even when you really just want to throw in the towel and head home. On those days, go to the pub with a friend, have a caramel macchiato, and forget about everything for a bit. You’ll feel better, I know this.
So stick it out, kiddo. Have a drink, or two, or five. Kick back. Try to relax. And don’t let stress consume you too much (you won’t listen to this either, but I guess hindsight is 20/20). And don’t worry about people asking you what you’ll do after graduation because Senior You won’t know either--so leave that to her. Good luck--you’ll need it, but you’ll make a little of your own luck, too.
Xoxo,
Me
