In 110 days, I will be a college graduate. I’ve decided to write a letter to my future self, and then for my last article of the semester (and forever) I will reflect on this one. College has taught me so much, and I’m excited about what the last few lessons will be.

Hi, future self. It’s quite strange that you’re done with college. I hate to say this because it’s such a cliché, but it does go by really fast. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had our difficulties, and I know that you’re still healing from many battles. But I’m so proud of how far you’ve come. To be brutally honest, there were times during our college experience when I wondered if we would be okay. It was scary. I don’t give us enough credit. I hope you’re much nicer to yourself than I am now.

I’m really excited about the classes we’re taking this semester. So far, my favorite is story building for games. Writing short stories and playing video games for homework? Fantastic. Every day I become more grateful that we fell in love with writing when we did. I also have a goal to write an article for every Ionian issue this semester. We have to end this journey with a bang.

I plan to go out to the city more with our friends. I want to go to bars and random parties, remembering that I’m young enough to do things like that. I hope you’re not afraid to have fun, because I’m still struggling with that. I also hope that you’ve realized that our friends don’t judge the fact that we don’t like to drink.

You are not weird, it’s your decision. You and I understand that there was once a person in your life who made alcohol feel dangerous. You are far away from that energy now. I also want you to reach out to your friends at home more. I miss them whenever we’re at school. And maybe Staten Island will get less lame (probably not). You are surrounded by the most supportive friends, and a boyfriend who makes you feel magical.

I want you to feel that magic too. You’ve been so strong, I know you’re capable of so much. I think you’re still scared about the future, especially since graduating college means you’re entering the “real world.” However, I think we both know that you’re well aware of the real world already. Keep working just as hard as you do. Remember how loved you are and how many changes you’ve made to make yourself happier.

I can’t wait for you to walk across that stage in 110 days. Every version of us will be cheering you on. You made it.