By: Nokomis Bramantecohen, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-Being Leader

Introduction:

Hello! It has now officially come to that bittersweet time of the year where seniors are buying their grad dresses, suits, heels, wrapping up all their capstones and thesis for classes, and finally… picking up their graduate cap, gown, tassel, and stoles. In complete transparency, going into University Crossing had made me really emotional. All of the friends, peers, and classmates that I have made along the way were all there and it was such a special moment. It is mind boggling to me that in just a month we will all be going on our own separate journeys. I am going to use this blog space to give me the time to reflect and write to past self and also write about my future self! 

Letter to My Younger Self: 

If I could go back and talk to my younger freshman year self, the first thing I would say is to be kinder to yourself. You spent so much time trying to map everything out, wanting a perfect plan, but life doesn’t work like that. The people you meet, the opportunities you get, and the paths that you take… none of it is guaranteed and that is okay! 

Another piece of information that I would want to say would be that no one is going to “save” you, and that is not a bad thing! It just means that you have more power, strength, and confidence than you think! Of course there are mentors, peers, and a social circle to help you out, but at the end of the day, you know yourself better than anyone else ever will. So trust that and trust your gut!

And lastly, stop being so hard on yourself! You’re constantly stuck either replaying the past or worrying about the future, and you often forget to be where you are. It’s much easier said than done, but try to let go of what doesn’t serve you, especially the hurt that is caused by others. Holding onto it only drains you. If it has no purpose within your life, then it doesn’t deserve your energy! Always remember to have confidence in yourself, you are way more capable than you give yourself credit for. 

Letter to My Future Self: 

I hope you’ve come to realize that you were always going to be okay, whether you reached milestones alone or alongside others. I hope you’ve learned how to take up space, to use the resources around you, and lean into the support systems you once hesitated to trust. 

Independence is important, but so is asking for help. I hope you’ve found balance in that. 

Right now, you’re working towards becoming a social worker, planning to attend Salem State University and fully commit to the program. I hope you follow through. I hope you found purpose in helping others, while still taking care of yourself too!

I hope you didn’t let rejection define you. That you learned to celebrate both the big wins and the small ones, like simply getting through a hard day or sticking to your routine. Not everything is meant for you, and that’s okay.

I also hope you made time to explore the world. To step outside of what’s familiar and immerse yourself in places, people, and experiences that changed you. Because at the end of the day, I hope you chose to be rich in memories rather than just money.

More than anything, I hope you become someone you’re proud of, someone who inspires others simply by being authentic, resilient, and open to growth.