Dear Freshman Tess,

Well here we are 5 years later finally approaching those final two semesters. I know you think you're gonna graduate in 4 years and get your degree in theatre arts from Colorado Mesa University but life is going to change a lot for you over the next five years and I just want you to know that it's okay. Everything that happens over the next 5 years will happen for a reason even if that reason isn't clear at the time.

First things first if you want to make things work in grand junction, then you need to put in the effort. Wake up on time and GO TO CLASS. Seriously That's a piece of advice that will save you some stress down the line. When you don't go to class, it's that much easier to fall behind.

I know you feel a little lost because making friends always came so natural to you in life and you're struggling to find your place up there. While you wont ever really find your specific group, you will meet people that you can count on and rely on and they will stick with you long after you leave mesa.

Over the next five years strangers will become friends and friends may become strangers. You'll have to learn that not everyone will make it into the next chapter of your story but that's okay. The most important people will be the ones that you overcome obstacles with and stick by you no matter what happens.

Don't worry so much about not having a plan for after you graduate. I know it seems like everyone has there life together but in reality most everyone's plan will change. The plan will be nothing like you expected it to be. But eventually you will figure it out what you want to do after graduate even it does take you till junior year.

Never lose your passion and your big heart. At times you may feel like it's not worth it to care so much because it causes tears and hurt at times. But that's your big heart is one of your best qualities. Dont ever forget that.

Keep your head and keep smiling. There are big big things in your future.

Love,

Senior Tess