Letter to Self from Freshman Year
A few weeks ago I received a letter in my mailbox from myself, written on the last day of my freshman year orientation trip. Reading it was a truly strange experience, and I laughed at how perfectly appropriate my past words seemed to be for my present self. I wanted to share what my letter said, because through reflecting on it I've been reminded that this entire Watson year I'm about to embark on has been in the works of my life for quite some time, even if I didn't know it.
8/22/15 (in the chapel by a window at night-- bell rang right at 9 as I finished this letter)
Well, Andi. It's Saturday night and I'm on my Freshman Orientation Trip at Hamilton. It's still hard to believe I'm here. I ended high school so well and I was so excited to go to Hamilton. Remember how happy you were when you got accepted? It was the best feeling ever.
Hamilton is full of so many insanely smart people. There will probably be days over these 4 years where you'll feel like you're not smart enough- but I know you, you are. You are going to have the best time at Hamilton. I choose to be optimistic because I know in my heart that everything will turn out the way it ought to. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, 4 years isn't that much time. I hope, of course, that you'll have decided on a major that you feel is definitely the right fit for you, that you'll have gone out of your comfort zone in many different ways, that you'll have made real friends that you can't bear life without, that you took advantage of the amazing education Hamilton has to offer you, and that you'll have found ways of truly loving yourself, whether it's physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, respectfully. Andi, you're 1,000 miles away from home in Minnesota, and it's probably not a big deal to you anymore. You are brave, you are compassionate, you are inspiring, truly, a leader. You get up every single day and make life happen, even if it seems like the hardest thing in the world. You take on the world and I am so proud of you for that.
Life is waiting for you, filled with opportunities, and hopefully you'll have already taken advantage of them- but if you haven't fully, don't worry. Don't be afraid, don't stress. You can do it now. Start now. It will be the right time.
These next 4 years at Hamilton seem so daunting. I hope I look back at this and think, "Hmmm.... no, it was a challenge, but it was awesome." I have no idea who my friends will be. If I'll have a boyfriend, if I'll stay in touch with past friends, whatever.
The Yoga Orientation Trip has really been...something. I enjoyed learning and stretching and teaching myself to be calm and relaxed and stress-free, so hopefully I'll continue yoga into college. My leaders are Liv and Hannah. Also there is Ethan, Marisabel, Gabbie, Marcelle, Gareth, Ben, Graham, Greg, and Teddy. They all seem so silly and kind and intelligent.
Mom? Dad? Laura? Jason? Lindsey? Bella? There are so many things a "?" can ask, so I'll just assume I've asked them all.
Go explore the world Andi. Let feelings happen, they're good, they're natural. Just don't let them consume you. Good luck. I love you.
Love,
Andi
Reading it is bittersweet. I did choose majors that were perfect for me, in different ways (psych and philosophy). My dad died. I became a Peer Counselor, the best decision of my Hamilton career. Graham died during my sophomore year. Gabbie and Marcelle transferred. I stayed in touch with some friends from high school, lost contact with others. I experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows at Hamilton. I did not continue yoga into college. Maybe I'll write another letter to myself before my Watson year and read it when I get back.
I'm going to try and figure out how to make it possible to subscribe to my blog for people to read and comment. You can also email me at andrea.dickmeyer@gmail.com, but no promises on when/if I return your emails during the year- but I will definitely read them!
Thank you to everyone following along on my journey. I truly appreciate your love and support. I'll be officially leaving for Australia sometime within the first week of July! Right now I'm at home in MN after graduating from Hamilton and going on vacation with my family to Isla Mujeres off of Cancùn. I'm spending the next month getting ready for the year.
-Andi
8/22/15 (in the chapel by a window at night-- bell rang right at 9 as I finished this letter)
Well, Andi. It's Saturday night and I'm on my Freshman Orientation Trip at Hamilton. It's still hard to believe I'm here. I ended high school so well and I was so excited to go to Hamilton. Remember how happy you were when you got accepted? It was the best feeling ever.
Hamilton is full of so many insanely smart people. There will probably be days over these 4 years where you'll feel like you're not smart enough- but I know you, you are. You are going to have the best time at Hamilton. I choose to be optimistic because I know in my heart that everything will turn out the way it ought to. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, 4 years isn't that much time. I hope, of course, that you'll have decided on a major that you feel is definitely the right fit for you, that you'll have gone out of your comfort zone in many different ways, that you'll have made real friends that you can't bear life without, that you took advantage of the amazing education Hamilton has to offer you, and that you'll have found ways of truly loving yourself, whether it's physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, respectfully. Andi, you're 1,000 miles away from home in Minnesota, and it's probably not a big deal to you anymore. You are brave, you are compassionate, you are inspiring, truly, a leader. You get up every single day and make life happen, even if it seems like the hardest thing in the world. You take on the world and I am so proud of you for that.
Life is waiting for you, filled with opportunities, and hopefully you'll have already taken advantage of them- but if you haven't fully, don't worry. Don't be afraid, don't stress. You can do it now. Start now. It will be the right time.
These next 4 years at Hamilton seem so daunting. I hope I look back at this and think, "Hmmm.... no, it was a challenge, but it was awesome." I have no idea who my friends will be. If I'll have a boyfriend, if I'll stay in touch with past friends, whatever.
The Yoga Orientation Trip has really been...something. I enjoyed learning and stretching and teaching myself to be calm and relaxed and stress-free, so hopefully I'll continue yoga into college. My leaders are Liv and Hannah. Also there is Ethan, Marisabel, Gabbie, Marcelle, Gareth, Ben, Graham, Greg, and Teddy. They all seem so silly and kind and intelligent.
Mom? Dad? Laura? Jason? Lindsey? Bella? There are so many things a "?" can ask, so I'll just assume I've asked them all.
Go explore the world Andi. Let feelings happen, they're good, they're natural. Just don't let them consume you. Good luck. I love you.
Love,
Andi
Reading it is bittersweet. I did choose majors that were perfect for me, in different ways (psych and philosophy). My dad died. I became a Peer Counselor, the best decision of my Hamilton career. Graham died during my sophomore year. Gabbie and Marcelle transferred. I stayed in touch with some friends from high school, lost contact with others. I experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows at Hamilton. I did not continue yoga into college. Maybe I'll write another letter to myself before my Watson year and read it when I get back.
I'm going to try and figure out how to make it possible to subscribe to my blog for people to read and comment. You can also email me at andrea.dickmeyer@gmail.com, but no promises on when/if I return your emails during the year- but I will definitely read them!
Thank you to everyone following along on my journey. I truly appreciate your love and support. I'll be officially leaving for Australia sometime within the first week of July! Right now I'm at home in MN after graduating from Hamilton and going on vacation with my family to Isla Mujeres off of Cancùn. I'm spending the next month getting ready for the year.
-Andi
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