Hi there,

It's me, your OL. I just wanted to thank you for attending orientation and for giving me the opportunity to meet and know you. While the time we spent together was short, it was (and still is) very meaningful to me. I hold a special place in my heart for all of y'all.

You might've come into orientation with a lot of hesitation and fear, but my hope is that each of you left our university feeling just a tad bit more at home. I also hope that you're both excited and ready to come back! I hope that you feel tingles of excitement as the countdown to move-in gets closer. More than anything, I hope that you feel comfortable enough to reach out to me if you ever need something.

I miss you, and I know that sounds silly since I had various groups, but you guys are my students and I want nothing more than to see you guys around campus in the fall! Please stop and say hello! Also, please don't be embarrassed when you hear me yelling your name from across the way, I just want to make sure you see me!

Those few days that we were together were filled with some silliness from me, some sleepy stares from y'all, and a lot of questions. Honestly you guys impressed me with your adaptability. It was hot outside, we kept y'all up late and woke y'all early, but you were willing to challenge yourselves to move outside of your comfort zones and be thrown in the mix with hundreds of other incoming freshmen!

This year will be unlike any other school year. You'll be on a new campus with tens of thousands of students, most of whom you have never met. This will be your year to start fresh, to find new inspirations, to seize the potential that I know you have. When I came to our university, I found opportunity after opportunity. It all just seemed to fall into place. I didn't see it coming, but like I've told you guys, college is the time to be open-minded. You'll probably discover interests that you never knew you had! You'll meet people who are different than the ones you grew up with. You might discover a new major that is perfect for you. Whatever it is, I encourage you to seek happiness.

You all deserve the world, and as much as I wish I could give it to you, you have to work for it and showcase your talents! You each are coming to this campus with a unique skillset, one that you can grow and build upon during your time here. You are going to meet people that will change the course of your life. They'll leave a lasting mark, sometimes without you realizing it. Pretty soon, you'll look back and be done with your freshman year! Trust me, time does pass that quickly.

With that being said, take time for yourself this semester. Treat yourself, even if you think that phrase is silly. Put yourself first. Focus on your grades and focus on your future. However, make sure to leave room in your schedule for fun! College is more than just classes. For those of y'all living on campus, take advantage of being near all of the campus events! Meet the people in your building and wing because they are a great support system! For those commuting, make an effort to connect with other students and organizations! You can still be involved on campus even if you're living at home!

Most importantly, don't forget that I am always here for you guys, as a resource, as a peer, as a friend. I can't wait to see all that you accomplish here! I'm rooting for each and every one of y'all. I'll be seeing you guys soon!

Love,

Your OL

(#kimmybythedozen)