Dear Sophomore Me, From Post-Grad You

So you wrote “Dear Freshman Me” after your sophomore year, and guess what? It got published. Congrats. You can read it right here.

At the time, you thought you endured some real life experiences that shaped you. But ultimately all the things and people you were upset or confused about in the first letter didn’t amount to much. It felt like everything, but trust me, the past is in the past for a reason.

Sophomore year was a transition year, but the next two will bring more growth and roadblocks than ever before.

First, you’re going to experience heartbreak for the first time. True heartbreak from a toxic relationship, but understand that time, distance and the right circle of friends will help you through it. Also, a lot of boys are just that. They’re boys, not men, especially in college. That being said, all the relationships you experienced rewarded you with unforgettable memories and a lot of realizations of what you do want and what you don’t want. It’s OK to mess up in that department.

Your friend groups are going to shift. You’ll realize that some friends are too negative to hold on to, so don’t be afraid or feel like a bad person for letting them go. Your friends should be your cheerleaders always rooting for you to succeed so if you don’t get that, it’s OK to let go of the people holding you back.

Yeah on that note, some people will be jealous of you, but naturally you’ll think you did something wrong. You’re always looking for the good in people, but sometimes it starts to affect you negatively. You gotta distance yourself and let people figure out their own insecurities. Stand up for yourself. It doesn’t have a big dramatic break up, but it will be necessary.

That being said, you’ll meet amazing people. People from all over the world, who you’ll want to visit again one day. You’ll meet people who are on the same wavelength as you. You’ll have family dinners, hilarious going out stories, and endless adventures to look back on.

In your major, you’ll surprise yourself. That upperclassman you always looked up to in your major, you’re going to become her. You’re going to become the editor in chief for your newspaper. You’re going to intern for two other publications and spearhead the rebranding of another journal. You’ll TA for a few classes and people will trust you when they come to you for advice. It’s going to be hard work, but you’ll really be shocked by your leadership. Just own it and take every experience as it goes. And don’t underestimate yourself.

My biggest advice though is to truly enjoy the little things. College is and should be focused on your major and career goals, but at the same time, don’t take it too seriously. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, and you can just try to get through the four years, or you can savor them and find yourself through the process. Go get ice cream with your friends in between classes. If you go out on a school night, it’s not going to make or break your career in life. Join a club that has nothing to do with your major. And talk to people constantly because college is where you’ll meet people in the strangest of ways.

Don’t beat yourself up over small things. Try not complain or compare yourself. And get comfortable being uncomfortable. Going outside your comfort zone will always pay off somehow, so don’t live your life with regrets.

Oh and that offer you get to go to London? Take it. You already surprised yourself so much in college, so take that fearless attitude and use it for the rest of your life.

Cheers,

Your graduated self