Over the course of the last few weeks, I have spent more money on stamps and sending packages than I have on food. And to whom am I sending these letters and things (and spending an exorbitant amount of money on)? Well, my best friend and family.
Leaving for college wasn’t easy for a plentitude of reasons. For one, I have a close-knit relationship with my family and also with my best friend—we’re just inseparable. With today’s technology, there is no doubt that it is easy to stay in touch with those important to you. But to be completely honest, sometimes social media gets old. There is no fun in writing on someone’s wall or just having a conversation through text message. It seems almost effortless because of how easily accessible it is. I feel that nowadays, there isn’t much thought or emotion put into those kinds of things, but of course, many can argue otherwise. Maybe I’m just old fashioned, but I prefer handwritten letters and cards; I find them to be so much more meaningful than a quick text.
Through my relationships, I have gained pen pals and tested some of my creative boundaries. I grew up in a family of artists and creative souls, and for the longest time, I have doubted that I even had an ounce of artistic ability in me. It was not until recently that I began practicing my drawing skills, and I found that I am decent. I now send some of these goofy doodles and pictures along with the letters, which is something that I find therapeutic when school gets stressful or when I’m just plain bored. To my surprise, I even discovered that my own best friend is exceptionally good at painting. I recently received some wall art from him for my dorm room, and I have never gotten anything more meaningful and personalized until now. I am even a little surprised when my family, who know me so well, sends me packages of all my favorite snacks and necessities. The distance, I feel, makes us more creative, and maybe even a little competitive to see who can send the most thoughtful package, as we are forced to put our emotions and thoughts into the things we send to each other.
I promised my loved ones that I would write to them as often as I could, and so far, I’ve been exceeding that promise. Some of them even question why I waste my money on doing so, but it’s just something I find valuable. Ever since I was a young child, I have kept every single card or letter I have ever received, and I appreciate them more than anything. Now that I’m in college, I think it is even more important to inform your friends and family that 1) you’re alive and 2) you miss and care for them even from miles away. Also, every place I go to in my college town, I find small reminders of the people I love, and there is no way to get it to them other than through our good old postal service. Even though I can easily visit my family, I like to send them random cards telling how I’ve been doing. It’s always worth it to hear their reaction once they’ve received it.
As a college student, it is easy to feel alone at times. I have admittedly felt lonely and somewhat sad when I open up an empty mailbox. When the letters and responses come in, however, I feel more at home. So, with that, send someone you love something by mail. I promise you’ll find that it makes both you and that person appreciate the tradition of a handwritten letter even more than you did before.
