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Dear Me...

The 2006 Presidential Seminar concluded with letters in which students addressed their fomer first-year selves.  "Dear Me" collects those letters for the benefit and amusement of anyone who has been a college student or plans to become one.

The "Dear Me" collection has gone on to be requested by college throughout the Unites States and has been an irreplaceable asset to first year students.
Here are some lessons straight from the mouths of Wofford's best:


 "It gets hard, but never impossible.  It is only impossible if you let it be and it is only not fun if you make it that way.  Live, enjoy, and learn."
-Katon Bethay
 
"You decide how to live your life and how people should remember you.  Don't give them a reason to doubt your character or question your integrity.  Don't worry about failure or regret."
-Caroline Labban
 "You are capable of this.  You are capable of so much more than you think you are."
-Caroline Turnage
 

"Let go of your past.  You should remember it fondly and learn from the high school mistakes.  Do not hold on to the girl you were then."
-Elizabeth Frazier

 
"Your friendships will only grow atronger, your purposes renewed through trials, and your love deepened through months spent apart.  But as the days pass by in a whirlwind of parties and dinner in Burwell, remember: take pictures, drink water not diet coke, take time for walks, laugh when you are frustrated, don't dye your hair, more often than not-- turn off the TV, and always remember to keep your door open." -Rachel Moore  

"Once you find the things that you love doing, get better at them, not because you want to be at the top of a poorly balanced ladder, but because you simply want to be good at what you do.  If you follow your interests, regardless of whatever people think of them, and allow yourself to exist in context with other human beings, learning to understand them and support them and care for them the way you care for yourself, that will be enough."
-Nathaniel Coburn

   "Pursuit of knowledge is noble.  However, it can be empty if not applied correctly."
-Sheldon Bates
 

"Worry about what you have to and do what needs to be done, but do not stress out over every little thing.  Most of the things I drove myself crazy with the past few years are not all that important in the long run.  Just stop and have some fun every once in a while.  It is okay, trust me." -Christine Savvakis

 "Realize that the world around you is constantly changing and that it is your duty to the generations who come after you to do your part in affecting those changes positively.  It is your debt to those who came before you to continue their work at allowing all humans the chance to live their lives without fear of poverty or persecution."
-Miriam Hahn
 

" College does have an effect on your personality, but that is why you go to college.  Who you are fundamentally cannot change-- it only gets better from here." -Elizabeth Norman

 
"Always question yourself to make sure that you are not wasting your time.  Think for yourself and decide what is worth your time.  As long as you never relinquish control of your responsibilities, but rather take full ownership of your luck and privilege in attending college, you will do alright."
-Patrick Brennan
 "Everyone has their own scene of comfort.  Find yours and be sure to dwell there every now and then.  However, do not allow yourself to remain comfortable for too long.  Comfort leads to contentment and contentment often leads to boredom."
-Ryn Lister
 "Do not waste time and energy being disappointed in your own imperfections, but do not settle for mediocrity"
-Katie Hutchens
 
"Believe that people, although perhaps not reversible, are changeable and that one individual can make a difference.  To truly make an impact and change the world, one must first change one's self.  Have confidence and humility and never pass up a chance to stand up for what you believe in.  Live your life with passion and have zest for what you do.  Each person is important but it is up to you, each individual, to realize your full potential--others may help you along the way but no one can realize that for you." -Katie Sobczyk  "Work hard and play-- not hard, but genuinely and with the whole self. "Playing hard" is njot playing at all.  Whoever came up with the expression "work hard, play hard: obviously had not done enough work.  If you have worked hard, playing hard will not really appeal to you because it carries repercussions that can imply more work! "Playing lightly" will suit you better."
-Laura Vaughn
 "The world is not a perfect place.  You may not be able to make it a perfect place, but do not pass up the opportunity to try."
-Jonathan Hyslop
 
"Part of being an adult means taking responsibility for everything you do, and that includes the obligation to voice what you think and feel, whether it's in the classroom or writing an editorial about a local or national problem." -Lauren Stephenson "Have a great time, and don't forget that you are starting out with nothing in front of you but opportunities.  Make your own path, and follow it wherever it may lead." 
-Jason Holliday
 "So just keep breathing.  I know senior year seems so far away, but it will be here faster than you know"
-Emily Joseph