When in doubt, just ask

Hey College Self,

As you venture into your final year at the college you carefully selected, I truly hope that your decision has proven to be the right one. As for me, I've just completed my first week of senior year, and I must admit, it has been quite a whirlwind. The myriad responsibilities associated with college life – managing scholarships, tackling standardized tests, juggling volunteering commitments, balancing work, providing mentorship, and even navigating personal matters – have left me feeling like I'm wading through a sea of demands. Despite these challenges, I recognize the need to remain resolute, understanding that this is merely another significant milestone on my journey.

Interestingly, I've stumbled upon a new insight about myself during this time: when uncertainty creeps in, the best course of action is to seek guidance. An instance of this came to light when I grappled with the concept of metric conversion. While seemingly straightforward for my classmates, I found myself struggling to grasp the concept. This struggle led to a feeling of inadequacy, especially considering that this could potentially be one of the simplest concepts covered in my upcoming college chemistry class. It was disheartening to realize that I was at odds with something that appeared so basic.

However, in the face of adversity, I decided that making excuses was not the path I would take this year. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and raised my hand in class. Dr. Mo, our professor, took the time to elucidate the concept, and suddenly, the fog lifted. Yet, this experience was a reminder that comprehending a concept during a lesson does not necessarily equate to flawless execution.

Being both a visual and auditory learner, I've often relied on these strengths to guide me through my academic journey. But this year, it seems as though my familiar tools of understanding have lost their efficacy. This realization has prompted me to reflect on whether my past successes were driven by luck or genuine hard work – a question that, perhaps, only time will answer.

An illustrative instance occurred when a homework assignment posed a question that deviated from what I had anticipated. Feeling perplexed, I recognized that seeking help was the most logical step. With determination in mind, I plan to attend Dr. Mo's office hours to unravel the mystery behind the altered question. Your well wishes would be greatly appreciated as I embark on this endeavor.

P.S. I've attached a picture of the first last day of high school and one of you after crying for not understanding the concept, a moment frozen in time that will remind you of how far you've come since then.

In closing, my dear future self, these initial moments of my senior year have brought to light the importance of seeking assistance when needed, the distinction between comprehension and execution, and the necessity of adapting to new learning methods. As uncertainty looms and challenges persist, I'm reminded of the words: "When in doubt, just ask."

Wishing you the best in your endeavors,

Your Senior Year Self.