Hello Anna,

There is so much advice and life lessons that I wish I could tell you at 18. Right now, you’re at Snead State Community College undecided on your major and playing basketball as a walk-on trying to figure out if playing sports after high school is the right choice or a mistake.

You made the right choice trying out for the team on a random weekday after class. You grinded every day for months thinking it was useless because you never received any playing time. It wasn’t useless Anna, playing on the team that year brought out traits and life lessons to make you the strong woman you are today. It trained you to have a great work ethic, go after opportunities, and be able to accept failure and courage to move forward.

As time moves on you have enough credits to transfer to Auburn University in 2019 for the fall semester you decided to major in public relations. I can remember how nervous you were wondering if moving to Auburn by yourself would be too big of a step. Scared of leaving your friends and family behind, not knowing if you were going to make friends or be smart enough to graduate college.

But guess what Anna?

You’ve met some amazing life-long friends, grown as a person, and GRADUATING COLLEGE from your DREAM SCHOOL!  Anna, I wish you knew of all the amazing memories there are to come for your future self. Your grades are amazing, and you decided to add a minor in marketing. Anna, you quickly found out that RBD Library will be your second home for most of your college career. Don’t worry though you finally learned to balance social life and grades. You and your friend’s favorite pastime will be dressing up for football games and figuring out whose apartment the group will be at on the weekends.  Moe’s will be your favorite hangout spot downtown. The random roommate you met on Facebook your junior year will end up becoming one of your best friends.

These are just some of the memories you will remember from your time at Auburn. The choices you’ve made this far during college I do not regret at all. I wouldn’t be the smart, self-minded, beautiful, and caring person I am today without all the hardships, heartbreaks, and lessons.

Anna, I’m leaving you with a few life quotes that will speak volumes to yourself.

“Everyone you meet is a part of your journey, but not all of them are meant to stay in your life. Some people are just passing through to bring you gifts; either they’re blessings or lessons.”- Roy T. Bennett

“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t even happened yet.” – Anne Frank

“It’s okay not to have it all figured out. If someone does have all the answers, that’s when I should be worried.” – Morgan Love

That being said just because this chapter of your life is ending doesn’t mean you are done growing. Don’t worry you will find your dream job and city. Welcome to the next chapter of your life.

Sincerely,

-Anna Snead