Back in the fall of 2011 I had my first HU 101 Introduction to College Life class write letters to themselves. I told them that I would hold onto the letters and hand them out prior to graduation 2015. Rebecca Weinberger, Class of 2015, spent some time reflecting on her 2011 letter last week and wrote an updated letter to herself and some thoughts on her journey as she prepared for commencement weekend.
Melissa L. DeLucia
Director of Experiential Learning and the Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence
Albertus Magnus College
December 8, 2011
Dear Self,
After these past four years I hope you’ve accomplished everything you set out to do. Now you should be on your way to become a successful art therapist, have a stable life, and I hope a companion as well. It’s hard for me to tell myself how and what I will expect in the future, but here goes.
Freshman year so far has taught me many things, like who to trust, and right from wrong. I hope that the experiences of my freshman year really took a toll on the way you see life. I hope, too, that you are still friendly with some of the same people, or have met new friends who you care a lot about. I guess I just hope that I am a happy person, because as I write this letter I am. I feel like I’ve gown a lot and have become more open and hope I continue to do so.
Keep loving yourself, because sometimes you are all you’ve got! Hold on tight and I hope you will enjoy the ride of the next four years.
Love,
Becca
May 15, 2015
Dear 2015-Self,
You couldn’t have ever prepared yourself for what would happen throughout the last four years. First, let me congratulate you for accomplishing one of your biggest dreams of graduating college. Four years ago you sent yourself a letter which was stored safely away until your graduation year. It contained valuable and encouraging words–motivation. Even back then you felt inspired to graduate from Albertus Magnus College with a BA in art therapy. I am proud to say that you have met that goal. Through struggles, trials, and errors you have become the woman I have always set you out to be. The education you have received from Albertus has not only made you a better reader, writer, more philosophical person, but a well-rounded woman as well. The professors you have had have always been there for you, lending you a helping hand. Attending Albertus has taught you that you can become whomever you set out to be.
Love,
Rebecca
Looking back four years ago when I was a freshman; I’ve changed in many ways. Not once did I have the idea that I would become as successful and well-liked as I am today. During my senior year I was asked to speak at many special events. Founders’ Day was the first public speaking event I was asked to attend where I would talk about my experience at Albertus. Later I was told that I had touched the hearts of many. From there I was asked to continue speaking; representing Albertus in a positive, educated way. From volunteering, working for Professor Coash (a well-known, well-liked art professor), and speaking, I have made a mark in the Albertus community and the community of New Haven.
Four years ago I could have been described as timid, meek, or even as having no drive. My cumulative GPA my freshman year was well below a 3.0. I found it hard to balance my home, work and school life. Throughout the years, my grades slowly improved. My C’s turned into B’s, then A’s. I am now a senior who will be graduating with honors, and a 4.0 for my final semester. To top it all off, I accomplished another goal of mine that was not in my freshman letter. I have always wanted to be a successful art therapist which meant going to graduate school. I applied to the MAAT program at Albertus in the spring of 2015. After I was accepted, I knew that I could accomplish anything I set out to do in life. I feel empowered, a feeling I never had as a freshman. The growth I have made not only shows based on what I have achieved, but how I continue to carry myself as a successful adult.
“Keep loving yourself, because sometimes you are all you’ve got! Hold on tight and I hope you will enjoy the ride of the next four years.” (Rebecca, 2011).
Rebecca Weinberger
Bachelor of Arts, concentration in Art Therapy
Class of 2015, Cum Laude