To my apprehensive high school senior self —
From September to August, it was nothing short of a long, exciting yet anxiety-producing ride. I know you’ll never forget that moment when your fingers shook as you clicked “View Decision Letter” on OPUS, and better yet, that moment when you saw the “Congratulations!’” and shrieked. You’ll never forget that moment when you watched your Facebook status get its first comments from your best friends and family members who had absolutely no idea you had even applied early here. And that, my friend, was just the beginning.
After that moment, it suddenly hit you: yes, you applied Early Decision. There was no backing out now. You were going to be spending the next four years in Atlanta, a plane ride away from all of those people you considered to be your “absolute favorites.”
The questions inside your head were endless: Would you ever be able to find friends remotely as amazing as your best friends at home? Would you ever have clean clothes without your mom there to do your laundry for you? I know that as much as you wanted to assure everyone that asked that you were “beyond excited” to come to Emory, there was a part of you that was also beyond apprehensive. High school was stressful enough — how would you handle a college workload?
You doubted yourself, but I’m here to let you know that it all worked out — I’m happier than you could’ve ever imagined me being here, and I certainly couldn’t have done it without you.
First off, I know it was hard for you to imagine ever finding new friends; after endless brunches, lunches, late nights, and vacations with your girls, you were sure that they were irreplaceable. And guess what? You were right in that respect – I haven’t been able to replace them, nor will I ever be able to. But in just a matter of days here, I found so many amazing and crazy people that reminded me of those people you killed your senior year with. You always guided your friendships by telling yourself to “make new friends, but keep the old.” So, per your motto, that’s exactly what I did.
As for the workload, well, I owe it to you. You were nothing short of a stressed-out maniac in high school, and although you were afraid it would get worse when I arrived, you had nothing to worry about. You allowed me to have one of the easiest transitions I could’ve ever imagined; if you hadn’t pushed yourself as hard as you did, even after your acceptance, it might’ve been difficult. But you never settled. I’m here to tell you that hard work pays off. Yours definitely did.
Oh, and about your laundry concern— that’s where you were right to question me. I cannot do laundry. Cannot. It’s as simple as that. But, hey, it’s a good excuse to buy some new clothes, right?
Anyway, I really hope this makes you feel a little better. I appreciate all the worrying about me, but I want to emphasize that I’m fine. In fact, I’m more than fine. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier in my life, and it was your effort that got me here. I cannot thank you enough for that.
Until next time,
Justine