Dear freshman year self,
Getting involved has been one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. I remember when you had thoughts about not making friends at FSU and thinking you were going to be alone throughout your 4 years of college. Look at you now, a 2021 Orientation Leader surrounded by an amazing team who pushes you to be the best you can be. Not only are you making an impact in your family for being the first person in your family to attend college, but you’re also making an impact on incoming students. Who would have thought that the shy person you were would become a resource for family members and incoming students? I’m proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring the different opportunities FSU has to offer. You were so worried about failing your classes and not doing good academically, but you have finished off your first year of college strong. You attended ACE workshops to help you learn strategies on dealing with test anxiety and even went to the Reading, Writing, Center when you knew you were struggling with your ENC 2135 class. It all paid off because you made both the President’s List and Dean’s List. I cannot tell you how happy and proud I am of you for always trying your best, despite having the constant fear of being a failure and disappointing your parents. I know that you always had that thought of disappointing your parents in the back of your head, but you have made them so proud with everything you have accomplished at FSU so far. I know you don’t see it out now but all those nights of studying and feeling overwhelmed will pay off soon when you graduate and walk across the stage. I know you didn’t imagine your first year of college to be in a virtual setting. I also know how difficult it was for you not to have an in-person high school graduation and how sad you were to not be able to have an in-person Summer Bridge Program experience. Despite these circumstances and having to take virtual classes during the pandemic you still persevered and made it through your first year of college. I cannot tell you how amazing of an idea it was to get yourself a planner. Getting a planner helped you stay organized and keep track of your assignments. Thank you for always pushing yourself and never giving up even when you felt like you couldn’t keep going anymore. Also, props to you for taking advantage of the different resources FSU has to offer and attending Career Center workshops to help you build your resume and learn how to network with others. You have surprised me and the way you have managed to get through all the obstacles during your first year of college. Never be afraid to reach out for help and always continue believing in yourself. Always push yourself and always push those around you to be the best they can be. Continue working on your goals and never forget that you are not alone throughout this college journey because FSU has many resources available to help you feel supported and succeed through your college years.
Sincerely,
Nikki (your second-year self)
