Open Letters

An Open Letter to Ashley Before Her First Day of College:

Hey girl,

I know 4 years feels like forever, but the next 4 years of your life will change you forever. It’s a bit frightening to think that in a matter of hours that you will be an adult on her own for the first time. Classes seem like they are going to be challenging but interesting. You are now 400 miles away from home, but you can still call home if you need to, and Mom won’t be mad even if you call her late in the night. You’re moving in with someone who you’ve never met before and you’re sharing a room for the first time since you were 7. You’re anxious but your excitement is too great to even think about that. Remember your morals and values, as they will ground you in this new stage of life. You can make it and this will be great.

An Open Letter to Ashley After Her First Week in College:

Hi love,

You psyched yourself out the first few nights. You thought you weren’t going to make any friends, and you felt pretty alone. Most of your friends back home still have each other from high school, but you choose to come to UAlbany because it’s the best, so just hang in there. You don’t have to sell out to make friends, or change who you are. Be you and those who should be around you will find you. Your roommate isn’t bad at all, she’s pretty nice and she always makes you laugh. She is the first friend you made and the best kind of friend you can keep. Not even close to any of the horror stories you’ve heard. Your RA seems like a nice guy, and he knows a whole lot about the school. Classes are a bit harder than you thought, start looking for a tutor now before it’s too late. There are some really great clubs on campus, maybe you should find some you like and join them.

An Open Letter to Ashley After Her First Semester in College:

YOU MADE IT!

This semester was super different and super hard but you did it! You joined a few clubs and met some great people who became your best friends. With them you have laughed until you’ve cried. Your roommate is super awesome and you two are super close now. You both understand each other and support each other. You got a chance to volunteer in the local high school and you learned that you loved working with teenagers! Who would’ve known? Maybe you could work there next year? Your RA was super awesome and maybe you should be an RA next year! Looking back all of the things you were worrying about didn’t come true. Some days were better than others but you made it through the semester unscathed. One down, seven to go.

Ashley W.
Class of 2017
Major: Social Welfare
Blog/Workshop Theme: Through the Looking Glass
A Look at the Past and Present...

Please Note: The views of our student bloggers do not necessarily reflect the views of the UAlbany Advisement Services Center. These are their stories and their voices.