A Letter to Me

Dear Freshman Erin,

It's me, well, you, that is. No really, just to prove it I know you're probably the only one awake in your dorm right now and have been since 5am. You've probably been sitting outside your room on the floor reading, probably had Cheerios for breakfast and are probably dressed any ready for church even though it doesn't start until noon. Believe me now?

I've had the chance to look back at the four years you'll spend out here and I just wanted to pass on two lessons, things I learned but wish I'd have learned sooner:

1. Spend time with family. I know that's odd considering you moved out here away from family but you also moved closer to some amazing family members who love you simply because you are their siblings kid or for some other unknown reason. Don't question it just accept it. Let them treat you as their own because they will. They will give and keep on giving so remember to thank them and make sure they know how grateful you are to be close to them. Your cousins will be some of your best friends. Soon you'll have siblings out there with you. Go to their intramural games, be on their teams...Your time with these loved ones won't be long. You'll miss it once its gone, so much so that you will make sure you have a couple clinicals for grad school out here just to be closer to them again.

2. Put down your books and play. Most parents tell their kids when going off to college to make time to study but Erin, that won't be your problem. Get out. Go hiking and camping. Let your friends drag you away from homework. Plan last minute trips to the national parks. Join random people for midnight Frisbee games. Get a B every once in a while. They aren't that bad. You'll learn someday that C's make PTs and you'll be happy with a passing grade. Be with your friends. You'll find that no matter where yall are or the changes that have happened in your life that you'll still be friends.

I came back out here this summer and have had some pretty amazing experiences: helping patients walk for the first time in months, hiking in Zion national park, camping with siblings and (maybe the sweetest of all) being with family members, all dressed in white in the temple together. I've been wondering why I never did this stuff before so I'm passing it on to you. I know you're worried about majors and what to do with your life and some of those questions will still be here when you're me so don't sweat it. "Baby, don't your worry 'bout a thing. Everything's gonna be great." Promise.

I'll write again soon.

-Me

Ps. Take more pictures or no one will believe you actually spent time with family.