How did I get here? From an excited freshman dreading speech class to teaching that same class in a blazer and pumps. I sat in your seat on the first day of class and thought there was nothing new I could learn in a basic speech class. This may be a waste of time, but it’s a required class. So I would pay attention and show up every day–but that’s as far as my dedication would reach. Do you feel like that, too?

Standing in front of a classroom having no idea what I’m doing or what to say – this must be what everyone means by adulting. That’s not even a real word, by the way. I just discovered that via autocorrect. Thanks for misleading me, fellow millennials.

Am I part of your generation? Can I relate to you? Do you see me as an authoritative figure or just a terrified 20-something playing dress up with red lipstick? Right now I feel like both.

It’s (only?) been six years since I was in your place. It feels like a lifetime. Pushing past the clichés, I want you to hear me out. Hear me out knowing that you’re going to have to put up with me twice a week for an entire semester, so you might as well listen now.

Your professors (including me) are not trying to make your life difficult. I can promise you right now that I will not give you busy work, that I will make the course material relevant and I will do my best to make you a confident speaker. I believe in you, and it’s my goal for you to believe in yourself.

You are paying for this class, and this class is not a waste of your time. I am here because I care. I am here because I am passionate about education. I am here because I am a nerd and want to stay in school forever. I am here because I am going to make you the very best, like no one ever was.

Just kidding. But I am here to show you that you have a lot more potential than you give yourself credit for. You just need to let yourself believe it.

I have a few things I want to ask of you as you begin your college career. I’m only asking because I want to challenge you, encourage you and walk alongside you. I hope you let me do that.

I need you to work hard. I won’t accept excuses from students who need deadline extensions because they were out getting hammered all weekend. You are at TCU for so many reasons, but remember that includes work. I want you to develop into the kind of person that appreciates where you are because of how hard you worked to get there. It’s a humbling process, and you need to go through it. Sacrificing a few party nights can be worth it. It is worth it. I promise there will be more. You go to TCU.

Be kind. The world is in a fragile and hurting place. Contribute something meaningful to society by choosing to love instead of hate. Go out of your way to be kind. I’m not talking about the "hold the door for a stranger " type of kind. You will be presented with opportunities where you can either take the high road or allow yourself to succumb to selfishness. Consciously make a decision there.

Give yourself a break. You have so much going on! It’s OK to not have it all figured out. Give your best, and then accept when you fail and decide to move on. Remember that you are not perfect and no one is asking you to be. Remember that you have a lot of life to live, and learn to enjoy the present. There is no rush to get to senior year – stop stressing about what’s to come. Treat every day like a new adventure. Put that stress in a tiny little box and bury it in this classroom. I won’t let you come back for it.

Show up - for class and for life. Don’t let a day go by where you don’t feel wholeheartedly and brilliantly alive. Take a homework break and dance in your living room. Or in the library, that works too. Hammock by the Trinity River, close your eyes and feel the breeze on your eyelids. Take your shoes off, walk around barefoot and remember what it feels like to be grounded on this Earth. Take little moments to remind yourself that you are a beautiful, purpose-filled being on this planet.

Disclaimer: I am terrified for this semester to begin. I am just as nervous as you for this year! I don’t want this to be just another required class off of your checklist. Help me to help you. Hopefully, you’re just excited as I am, too! Frogs for life, am I right?