A letter to myself | Dear Freshman-Year Desirae

I mentioned this in my post on Sunday, but I've been thinking about college a lot.  There is lots of college talk right now with it being the beginning of the semester, and many of my friends and family are still in school (including my brother who just started!) I wasn't your typical college student during undergrad, and I didn't love college in the same way many students did- I wasn't a partying student in any way. However, I did love college because of the unique experience that it was, and more than anything I really loved the true friendships that I got out of it.

Some of my very favorite friends that I made.

I was class of 2013, just a semester before this, but this is way better than any graduation photo that I have!

I have a heart for those that are just beginning college. I know being a freshman isn't easy in a lot of ways. For many students, leaving home is the hard part. For others, it's staying true to who you are, or even learning who you actually want to be.  I have this belief that you go into your freshman year as one person, and hopefully, you come out of it changed for the better. Thats how it was for me- within the first year of college, I really grew stronger in my faith and found wonderful friends that helped me really become me. Throughout the rest of the years of college, I built on this as I made friends and met mentors that will be part of my life forever. I also met my husband, so that was the best.



But when I was just a bright-eyed freshman beginning college five years ago, I didn't know any of that. Now that I'm so much wiser (kidding), I wrote my freshman-self a letter. These are the things I wish I could say to every single freshman starting college- so maybe a few will read this, and maybe they won't feel so alone.

Dear Freshman Desirae,

 I know how you're feeling right now- you are coming into this place with a mixture of hope for new friendships, and hurt from your high school years. You have always had friend troubles, and you're hoping that going to a new place will help you meet people that are more like you- that have your values and share your interests and faith. But right now, you haven't found that, at least not right away, and you're already pretty discouraged.

Because you're discouraged, you don't know how to feel. You're thinking maybe that fitting in with the crowd will help you make friends. I know, pursuing your faith seems a lot harder than just going with the flow of everyone else. But don't worry- you don't have to do that. Actually, you should stay strong, even though you won't, at least not for the first month or so. That's okay, because there's grace, and it won't be the last mistake you make. Also, lucky enough, your roommate will come to your rescue and convince you out of the silly little relationship that you get into with the boy from bio class that you seriously have nothing in common with.



Speaking of boys- stop thinking about them. I know that's asking a lot- you don't have to stop thinking about them, I guess, but stop worrying about being in a relationship. I know you'd love to be, but believe me, it's best for now that you aren't. You have a lot of new things to focus on- school work, your faith, new friends, and you really don't need a relationship with the first boy that gives you attention. Actually, ignore the first three or four boys that give you attention...it will keep you from feeling stupid, since they actually aren't good for you.

What is good for you- that is coming, I promise. I wish right now you knew that by the end of your four (and a half) years, you'll have grown closer with friends and family from home, you'll have met the most wonderful best friend you could ever dream up (you'll find her next year), and the handsomest, kindest fiance (he's also your best friend). That's right, I said it, fiance- you'll be engaged! So all of your worrying and anxiety and wondering of who the right guy is, it's all for nothing, because God has it covered.


 Don't feel alone right now- and don't even think about giving up on who you know you want to be. Go to church, listen to your roommate, she's a smart girl. You'll meet a pastor who will be the first person to really explain what Grace means in a way that you understand it, and you'll be changed forever. And you'll meet wonderful friends that will be in your wedding someday. By the end of the year, you'll be so different because of these people and because you didn't give up on yourself.

Don't miss home too much, you'll be back there a lot, and your college town isn't so bad- it has the most amazing brewery/ restaurant, great shopping outlets nearby, and most importantly, amazing people that will love you like family.

These years are full of possibility, so don't be afraid, be excited, and don't blink. One day, you'll see, that this was one of the most amazing blessings and seasons of your life, and you'll wish it didn't end.

Sincerely,
Yourself 5 years later.


Another lovely blogger wrote a letter to her freshman year self recently, too! It's awesome, go check it out @heavenstobetsy!

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I linked up with Treat Yo' Self Thursday and Little Friday!