Dear Lauren,

I just want to start by telling you to take a deep breath. I know all of this change is a lot for you—Case feels a lot bigger than high school—but I promise you that it’s a good thing, even if it may not feel like it yet. Juggling all the aspects of academics, athletics and just life all by yourself seems really daunting. But you aren’t actually by yourself at all. You have incredible teammates and friends who are going to support you as you take on the challenge that is college.

Now, I won’t disagree that starting off the school year and season with a rolled ankle is pretty rough. Cross country was supposed to be the place where you could let off steam, and now you can’t even run. But, all those hours in the training room and in the cardio room have a positive side; slowing down and taking time to meet the other people there is going to give you such a strong foundation for the next couple of years. Also, starting out injured means there’s only one way to go—and that’s up. Things, both in and out of athletics, are going to get better from here. Of course, this won’t be the only injury you sustain in these four years (sorry to break the news), but each one will remind you why you do what you do—why you put in the miles and how much it means to be able to have a body that can let you do that. Being able to run is an amazing gift that fills you with a joy that you still feel to this day.

And, of course, the team. You know that teammate who you thought was making fun of you during the first week of school? They are not only going to become your roommate, but also one of your best friends. The upperclassmen are going to be a source of support and wisdom as you start on this journey, and soon you will get to have the chance to do that for the incoming classes. From making snow angels during practice to singing karaoke on the buses, this team is going to be a bright spot when things get stressful. With their creative whiteboard poll questions and stories that bring the “Accident Counter” back down to zero, there’s never a dull moment with them around.

Academically, it might seem hard at times to be a humanities student in what feels like a sea of engineers. But don’t lose the love you have for that creative side of you. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, finding joy in improv and eventually leading you to do work with a company whose mission is to help other people through the medium of play. Your classes will broaden your perspective and allow you to see life in a new and different way. Embrace the challenges they present to you, and you will get so much out of them.

But more than anything, I implore you to go be yourself—whoever you think that is. She is going to change, and that is okay. This is the opportunity to try new things and figure out what you like and don’t like. And when you find the things you love, pursue them. When you find the people you love, cherish them. They are the beautiful things and people that make life worth living and make this experience the best it can be.

Okay, one more deep breath. You are a monster!

Lauren