This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Marist chapter.
Consider the following letters to be a parting gift.
As a graduating senior, I can honestly say that I fit the overused description of a college senior perfectly. No, not the “WOHOO SENIOR YEAR!” one, but definition number two. You know, the one that basically describes the final year of college as being a crazed creature wandering from scheduled thing to schedule thing, while somehow managing to conquer piles of work and to cross off packed days on her calendar. The one that lives off of microwaved meals and barely even has the time to binge on Netflix, but when they do immediately falls asleep because they’re so exhausted. Yeah, that’s me. Well, sort of. But, guess what? I don’t care – because I did it! I’m going to graduate and, just like a cliché senior, I’m already beginning to feel quite reflective. So grab a jar of Nutella and join me as we take a look back at a college experience…
Dear Home (Freshman Year):
Thank you again for helping me move in! I think I’m finally organized and comfortable in my new room with my awesome roommate. We’re both so similar and eat together every day. I think I’ve also got this laundry thing down pat! No shrunken sweaters or pink where white used to be! It’s a breeze – I honestly don’t know what you’ve been complaining about all these years! The food here is great and I am loving being on my own. I miss home but can’t wait for the journey ahead – I’ve got this
Dear Diary (Freshman Year):
What.Am.I.Doing. I have no idea who my roommate is or if she even likes me! We eat together for most meals, but I’m beginning to think I’m just bothering her most of the time. My room is upside down and it’s only been 5 days! The last time I did my laundry, my skirts shrunk into tube tops and all my underwear is now pink. Now, my laundry just sits in a corner taunting me. The food is ok but, honestly, I don’t know what I’ll do without a home cooked meal. Seriously, what am I supposed to do with half-cooked pasta and a side of yogurt!? Send help. I don’t know if I’m cut out for this.
Dear Home (Sophomore Year):
I don’t know how anyone tolerated me as a freshman, they are so needy! I just finished leading a frosh to her class because she looked so upset and lost. I wasn’t that bad, was I? Sophomore year is alright. I feel like I’ve already met everyone, though, and I’m already getting bored in my classes. But don’t worry – I’ve been studying every night and getting at least 8 hours of sleep! Don’t forget to write!
Dear Diary (Sophomore Year):
I got this. Freshmen are so LAME. Was I really that little and afraid? Classes are a bore but at least the weekends are always entertaining. The bars are so much better than a dorm party and I don’t even care if I get 3 hours of sleep! Living with my friends is a dream – most of the time. There’s drama, sure, but I can get through it. We all can. This is OUR YEAR!
Dear Home (Junior Year):
I’m missing you! School is going well: the classes are getting pretty tough and it’s hard not being around my friends all the time, but I’m surviving! Don’t worry about my meal plan – I’ve got mac & cheese and chicken nuggets and fries down! I can live on this stuff forever! On that note – could I bother you for some grocery money? It’d help me get through the week. Thanks! See you during spring break!
Dear Diary (Junior Year):
THIS is OUR YEAR. We dominate. The seniors have nothing on us. PLUS, I’ve discovered that binging on Netflix only means sacrificing a few hours of sleep so my 8ams are …. Kind of bearable. I spend most hours of sunlight in the library but that’s ok…… right?
Dear Home (Senior Year):
Thanks for your care package! I have already used up every Ramen pack and drank all the diet cokes. Feel free to send more! I’m doing well in school… I think? I’m not too sure to be honest. I’m overwhelmed. Sincerely overwhelmed. I don’t know how you handle everything? This internship on top of classes, and an on campus job, and my capping project… I just need all the help I can get. Can I bring my laundry home this weekend?
Dear Diary (Senior Year):
Help. Nobody warned us that senior year was this difficult! I’m in the library every waking hour not spent at work or in class. My group projects are falling apart and job application deadlines are only days away! How can I focus on my resume when my GPA is on the line? I haven’t been out with my friends in weeks and I think I forget what I even look like when I’m not wearing sweatpants.
But I can do this. I’m so close. I know it’s possible and my friends are with me every step of the way. I couldn’t have asked for a better 4 years and this is just a few more months, right? I need to make the best of it. And I will!
