“Dear Self,
As you begin college there are some things you should know. First, friends will come, and in fact most who you thought were your friends are going to end up showing they are not your friends after all. Furthermore, don’t be afraid to broaden your horizons on friendship. In college, it’s not so much popularity you should want but substance and kindness.
You should also take the time now, stop second guessing yourself, and change your major from political science to English. Just do it! You’re going to hate political science and if you don’t change it now, you’re going to waste a year of your life.
You’ll find some of the best teachers within the English department and they’re going to mold you in to the bed law school candidate. That is your overall goal isn’t it? In case you have doubts, it is your overall goal, so start studying for the LSAT now. No, seriously study now!
You’re going to wake up one day and all of the childish stuff you do isn’t going to matter anymore. You’re going to want to make a difference. You’re going to begin to see the world with all its wonders and problems and you’re going to want to change it. You’re going to touch the life of others in a good way. So, instead of waiting for the day of realization, start making changes now.
Stop striving for perfection, instead strive for excellence because perfection is impossible but only if you achieve excellence, you will be among great company.”
“If I were to write a letter to myself at the beginning of my school career, I would start by saying don’t sweat the small stuff. Some things just aren’t worth the worry. I would say keep your head held high and don’t let anyone or anything get you down. Make sure you don’t give up on your dreams, keep yourself driven and don’t forget who you are. Make sure you take the internship and relish every experience you have. Cherish your friends and your family, especially your dad. Above all, remember that you have something very important to contribute to this world and no matter what, you are a talented, strong person.”
“I would tell myself to continue with schooling no matter what! As you get older and have to work jobs where they don’t care about your home life, your sniffly nose, or your flat tire, you learn to appreciate that a bad day at school is better than a good day at work.”
“I suppose I wouldn’t send myself anything. I am one of those people who believe that things aren’t great all the time for a reason. I don’t see the path, but I know I’m on one. College is just one part of that path, and it’s got the same hidden rocks that life does, except, I’m not quite as graceful as the people who’ve been around the block a few times. So, I fall a lot, but I learn. I’ll come out of this program with scars I’ll be proud to show off. So, my answer is no, I’d never send myself anything. There are just too many good lessons and great memories that came out of late study nights, procrastination and hard core studying.”
“Dear Me,
When starting college, don’t be afraid to take some chances in the beginning but don’t get too generous with your chances as you get closer to finishing your degree. Really pay attention in your Photoshop and Indesign classes, Facebook can wait and those classes are going to be more important than you realize! The best friends you’ll ever meet you’ll find at your part time jobs. They’ll be around more often than the friends you’ve had your whole life. Don’t let ‘more experienced’ people get you down in your upper-level classes, you know what you’re doing and they just have horrible people skills. Don’t go into a class with your mind already made up about how the semester is going to go, that won’t get you anywhere. When stuff seems to get too hard, take a step back and remember why you’re doing it. Most importantly, remember that attendance in class is really important!”