Dear A'17,

The first of the lasts have just begun. There are a couple of things I wish I had known as my last year at Duchesne began to shorten. Remember this, the Sacred Heart Community is one of its own. Nothing compares. Sure, everyone finds different small types of communities, be it sororities, clubs, church groups, or small academic programs. However, the community that is Duchesne is incomparable. Participate in everything. You always wanted to be a part of theater? Do it. Had an art class you always wanted to take? Use a free to take it. Learn and explore. Utilize the amazing faculty. Get to know them even more and listen to them. They have all done life more than we have, and they are absolutely wonderful connections to have in college.

I wish I would have known that even though I was ready to graduate, I actually was not. Given, we all learn to be strong and confident, this strength and confidence can be wavered when we are not surround by seventy- some women that encourage us to be the best that we can be. Appreciate the things that may be annoying. Go to all the dances. Embrace the slounge dance parties. Love all your sisters, there may be the little fights, but keep all the friendships. Embrace the near impossible academics. The more you work now, the easier college will be. Depending on where you go, college level courses for the first couple of years are basically a joke.

Appreciate the chapel. It is unique in its own haunted way. Utilize the fact that when you need a moment of peace, it is right there. And lord knows I miss it. Appreciate the bats. Nobody else has quite an epic bat net as Duchesne does. Appreciate the things that only happen at Duchesne. Ground floor, hilarious emails about 'ladies, please do not do this', and goute. Soon conge season will come around the corner and no matter how much we alums wish there is a college conge, it just does not exist. Spend the year loving every second.

I know it won't be easy all the time, but always take a moment to stop and appreciate all that Duchesne has. Hug the puppy, ask Mr. K about his list, learn about the world, and always give back. Soon, it will all be in the past and the nostalgia will be real. You are a here and now Duchesne Dollie. Love every second.

3601 Burt Street will always be home.

Much Love,

An A'14 Sister