Student Blog: A Letter to My Freshman Self

I'm going into my final full year of college this year, which has made me reflect on how far I've come and the lessons I've learned, so I've decided to write a letter to the person I was freshman year.

Hello Sweet Freshman MaryRose,

The next four years are going to be some of the best and most challenging years of your life. Embrace it, as cheesy as it sounds. It will be over before you know it. My biggest piece of advice to you is to be bold. I regret being terrified of speaking up or taking on new things. Don't be afraid to do what you love which is theatre! You'll be free, taking opportunities you otherwise wouldn't have. Now, I'm making art in a new way. Don't be afraid of redirection. I know you think that we are supposed to be an actor and only an actor, but then you're going to discover a love for dramaturgy and directing and stage managing. Remember you can still love theatre and create art even when not on stage. Do not be afraid of the upperclassmen. They are honestly going to be some of the best people in the entire world and remind you why you do what you do.

They will inspire and encourage you. You're going to get multiple bigs that are going to be your hype men (Love you Rebecca, Bailie, and Brynn). They are going to listen to you struggle and help you get through it.They will show what true drive is. So will your friends in your own class. Completely honestly, I think if I didn't have Camille as friend those first few years of college, I would have never practice or grow. Your friends, specifically your theatre friends, are going to be the ones that make you a better person overall. Also don't be afraid to talk your professors. I don't know why I was so scared to talk to my professors for the first couple of years, but they are there to help you grow and make you better.

If you talk to them and let them get to know you, they'll be able to help you grow even more. They are going to be the ones that know the best path for you even when you don't for yourself. They are going to be the ones to introduce you to dramaturgy. They are going to be the ones to ask you to stage manage. They are going to be the ones who redirect you to the major you're perfect for. It's not going to be sunshine and roses all the time. There are frankly going to be days when you don't feel good enough. There are going to be days where you watch people who are younger than you and it's going to feel like they have an easier time than you. Maybe they do. Maybe they don't. But it's about you. It's your journey. No one else's. It's really easy to compare, but everyone has different strengths. And don't worry you'll find them.