Dear Freshman

Written by Rachel Pope

Photography by Aida Ebrahimi

Dear Freshman, You’re about to finish your first semester of college;congratulations,I bet you never imagined the moment when you got this far. You’re probably feeling the stress of papers, tests, and finals nearing,and you’re finally feeling like a real Badger, no longer like the new kid. You’ve got the 80 figured out, you know which way to turn in Humanities to not get lost, you found your favorite study spot, and your favorite place to go to avoid studying altogether.  You’ve come a long way since high school:you’ve made new friends, learned which of the old are still there for you, and found more of who really are. You’ve longed for home, maybe even gone there to pet your dog, you’ve eaten enough Gordon’s, Dejope and Rheta’s for your entire college career,and you’re excited for what the future holds.  Dear Sophomores, You’re almost a semester away from being halfway done with college (if you’re taking the 4 years);congratulations, I bet you never imagined the moment when you got this far. You know the deal, know not to panic over looming deadlines, you know which classes to avoid, which 3 credit literature classes are the easiest, and you’ve made a schedule that suits you.  You’ve come a long way since freshman year, you know which friends stuck with you past the initial “we’re all new here fear,”you’re in clubs you actually like, and hopefully you’ve unsubscribed to the 30 organization lists you signed up for at the Org Fair freshman year,and you’re excited for what the future holds.  Dear Juniors, You’re over halfway done with this crazy thing called college;congratulations, I bet you never imagined the moment when you got this far. You’re probably feeling the fear of the future really start to sink in at this point, but it’s also a distant idea, something you don’t have to worry about until next year. You’re confident in your major, but adding certificates here and there won’t hurt either,you’re starting to recognize people in your classes,and you’re looking forward to all your second to last chances.  You’ve come a long way since sophomore year, maybe you’re going to study abroad soon,you can take classes just for fun,and you’re excited for what the future holds.  Dear Seniors, We're almost done with college;congratulations, I bet you never imagined the moment when we'd get this far. We’re kings of the campus at last.The unions are finally construction free,but our journey towards a degree is nearing its end. While burned out and excited for commencement day,the nostalgia for what once was is creeping in. The lasts start coming in full force:the last time we’ll sit in the student section,the last time we’ll register for classesthe last birthday celebrations,the last first day of classes, ever,the last time.  We’re constantly bombarded with questions:What are you doing after college? Do you have a job? Do you want to stay in Madison or leave? What comes next? The future is an unknown, and as much as they try to prepare you,there’s only so much that words of encouragement can do.  We’ve come a long way since junior year, since sophomore year, since freshman year, since high school.We’re holding on to the memories, to the first of the lasts,to the Badger pride, and we’re excited for what the future holds.  And so, as someone who is nearing their graduation date, live each moment, check off your Bucky list, take chances, actually go to classes, and most of all have fun, because the rest of your life is yet to come.