Dear Class of 2025...

For my final assignment of my freshman seminar class, I was tasked with writing a letter to an incoming freshman for them to read on the first day of class. It turned out super cheesy, but that's why I love it and wanted to share. No matter what year you are, I hope you take some of this to heart and remember to enjoy the now.

"Dear Class of 2025 Student,

Congrats! You finally made it. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve been waiting for this day for a long, long time. I hope that these next four years are everything you could ever dream of and more. I’m starting to get to the point where I think that’s true.

I guess I’ll start off with a cheesy little intro. My name is Morgan McCullen, and by the time you’re reading this I’ll be a sophomore here at Carolina. As of now I’m studying International Business and Accounting, but who knows where life will take me. My biggest piece of advice—you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. I know it may seem like every decision you make here will affect the rest of your life (at least that’s how it feels sometimes for me) but remember that you have the power to choose what you do and where you go.

After my first semester at Carolina, I’ve started to realize that life is a little more complicated than just majors and titles. Just because you’re in the Honors College or in a prestigious major doesn’t mean jobs will be handed over to you—you still have to put in the work. The good news is you’re already off to a great start.

Now for some more advice/wisdom: literally be whoever you want to be. You’re in a new place with 26,000 other students who have no idea who you were in high school. There is no reason to be anything other than your genuine self. Reinvent yourself! Go by a new nickname that no one’s ever called you! Dress the way you want! Kiss girls! Kiss boys! Literally no one cares. And definitely don’t settle for anything less than you deserve. It’s not like high school where you have to be fake just so you don’t hurt people’s feelings. If you don’t want to be friends with someone, stop being friends with them! It’s simple, and honestly really freeing.

I remember when I first came to college, I was so worried that I wouldn’t find my people. And honestly, they’ll come out of nowhere. My roommate for next year was a random girl in my U101 class that just-so-happened to rush the same sorority as me. Barely any of my closest friends are in the same sorority as me (off the record—I met most of them downtown). Speaking of going out though…please remember that school comes first. Your homework and classes actually matter. Some professors are harder than others, but most of them won’t accept stupid excuses. It’s your job to take responsibility for your education, they can only do so much to help you. Go to class, or at least watch the recording. Be nice to your professors and get to know them, you never know how they could help you in the future.

I have no idea what state the world will be in when you get to read this letter. I hope things are somewhat normal again, and you get to embrace these years for all that they have to offer. You’ve already conquered so much just by getting to this point. If no one has told you recently, I’m really proud of you. I can only hope that your experience here is just as amazing, if not better, than mine. Remember the power is in your hands to make the most out of these next four years. Join a sorority/fraternity, join a professional organization and spruce up that resume, connect with other students through clubs, or don’t do anything! It’s entirely up to you what you dedicate your time to. Choose wisely!

Good luck and best wishes,

Morgan McCullen"