Dear High School Senior,

           I was once in your shoes. Hopefully, if you’re reading this it means you’ve chosen Manchester to be your new home in the fall. I know the uneasy, excited, nervous feeling you feel right now. I’ve been there. You’re leaving everything you have ever known in your hometown to go to an unfamiliar place with people you don’t know. College is nothing like high school. No one nags you to do your homework, clean your room or take care of yourself. The responsibility lies solely on you.

    Throughout my four years at Manchester, I have grown into a better person. I have become more well-rounded and the opportunities to expand my interests and knowledge has grown exponentially. I’ve had my fair share of pulling all-nighters, Casey’s runs and meeting new people. The relationships and opportunities I have gained here are such a valuable part of the Manchester experience. From binge watching Scandal at my professors’ house to studying abroad for a semester in New Zealand and everything in between, it has shaped me into the person I am today.

      You have big decisions coming your way. What do you want to study? What do you want to be? You may not know or you may decide to switch halfway through sophomore year, and that’s perfectly okay. College is all about finding yourself, trying new things and making mistakes. You gain your independence, make your own decisions and learn about yourself.

      You’re in for a real treat and you are moving on to bigger and better things. The next four years of your life will fly by and will be the most fun, life shaping years of your life. There were many times that I had so much to do that I thought I would never make it to graduation, but here I am, only a few weeks away. Remember to have fun, get involved, soak it all in, ask for help when you need it and just keep breathing. One foot in front of the other and you will make it through just fine.

From,

            A College Senior