War Eagle, Lady Frances!
Your time at Auburn University is about to be incredibly formative. You will be pushed, stretched, and challenged but in the best way possible. Being a student at Auburn has been the greatest blessing for me, and I truly wish that I could do it all over again.
I want to begin this letter by offering a few pieces of advice. First and foremost, as your dad has always told you: do your best and forget the rest. These are words of wisdom, and words to live by –college can be stressful at times. You are juggling a lot: classes, roommates, friendships, internships, involvement, church, small groups, overall wellness, etc. You may find yourself wondering how to accomplish every task on your to-do list in the span of a twenty-four-hour day; however, remember that we are not striving for perfection. Instead, simply do the very best that you can, and bring your positivity, spunk, and friendliness with you! Second, I encourage you to pour into those around you. The friendships formed on Auburn’s campus are unmatched. You are surrounded by solid, life-giving, and intentional individuals, eager to love on you. Lean into these friendships and savor every moment together. Even when you are exhausted, go on the drive down the War Eagle Road with your roommates. Head to Insomnia Cookies for a midnight study break. Enjoy your time here surrounded by your people! Third, I urge you to be bold. I know that it can seem a little intimidating and daunting to be an out-of-state student at a state school. However, do not let any apprehension hold you back. Instead, be bold. Apply for on-campus organizations, talk to strangers on the concourse, and in all that you do, stand firm in your convictions, and remember that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!
Next, I want to briefly talk about choices that I have made that I wish I could change or alter in some way. I think that the biggest change I would make would be to not allow the stress of daily life to infiltrate my time here. Time at Auburn is precious, and you will be given the opportunity to serve the University in a multitude of facets. Through SGA and Panhellenic, you will be granted opportunities to meet so many new faces, make long-lasting friendships, and serve the place that has given you so much. I wish that I would not have let stress and exhaustion wear me down; instead, do your best to remain present and grateful.
Finally, I want to take a moment to reflect upon a few of my favorite Auburn memories from each year of college. During freshman year, my two most memorable moments were Student Recruiter callouts on Cater Lawn and when our basketball team advanced to the Final 4—both were so unexpected yet beyond exciting! During sophomore year, I vividly remember storming the field after Auburn defeated Alabama in the Iron Bowl and retreating to Mentone with RUF! During junior year, I remember traveling with my best friend and roommate, as we navigated Zoom classes, and the joy of becoming the President of the Panhellenic Council, which led to personal and professional growth. During senior year, there have been too many memories to count! From in-person Bid Day to our final football season, to being ranked #1 in basketball, to senior spring break, every single moment has left me filled with gratitude for the place that I love so dearly that has shaped me so greatly.
Thank you, Auburn University, for the best four years I could have imagined. It has been my greatest joy and honor to be a student on the plains. Thank you for giving me life-long friends, for pushing me to be the best version of myself every day, and for loving me so well. And to my freshman self: I hope that you are so expectant for what is to come!
War Eagle, always.