Letter to a Future Student
This letter by Â鶹´«Ã½ student Vanessa Mills was an assignment in English Instructor Sarah Aiken’s course.
Dear Future Student,
Welcome to Â鶹´«Ã½! My name is Vanessa Mills, and I am a freshman in the Native Pathways Program. I’m 42 years old, and I decided to start college this year. As a full-time employee, full-time student, and a person with a family, my students encourage me every day. This year, I learned a lot, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to stay organized. I rely heavily on my calendar, which includes not just class deadlines but also family time and personal self-care. College can be tricky, especially when studying online, so my advice is to stay on top of your syllabus and review your modules regularly. Watch all the videos, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors if you need help. This technique helped me succeed in my first quarter, and I’m feeling very proud of how far I’ve come.
Starting from scratch can be intimidating, but I want you to know that it’s okay to start at the beginning. I started with the most basic classes and saw significant growth throughout the term. Don’t feel ashamed if you need to relearn things—everyone’s journey is different. When I first started, I was nervous and anxious, and I even struggled with my anxiety. But as I progressed in my studies, that anxiety slowly went away. I encourage you to reach out to your teachers, tutors, and study buddies. I had a wonderful group of friends who helped me stay on track and provided constant encouragement.
This past semester has been incredibly challenging for me personally. I lost my fiancé at the start of the term, and by the end of the semester, I lost my baby brother. Despite these personal struggles, the Â鶹´«Ã½ community, especially Ms. Aiken, was understanding and supportive. This is one of the things I truly appreciate about GHC—they’re here to help you, no matter what you’re going through. Be sure to communicate with your teachers if you’re struggling, and remember: the only person who can truly fail is yourself. But if you fall behind, don’t beat yourself up. It can be tough to catch up, but don’t give up. You’ve got this.
One of the most rewarding parts of this class is seeing how your writing improves over time. At the end of the course, you’ll notice that you’re writing more clearly, without slang, and with stronger writing skills. You might even notice yourself applying these skills in places like social media or text messages! Practice makes perfect.
Here’s another tip: always bring your laptop with you. I missed a couple of weekly check-ins because I left my laptop at work, and it’s easy to forget how important those small tasks are. Also, find a study spot where you’re comfortable. For me, work was the best place to study because when I get home, I’m ready to relax.
No matter what struggles you’ve faced in life, I’m incredibly proud of you for deciding to go to college. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Take time for yourself when you need it, and remember that it does get stressful, but the rewards are worth it in the end.
I send you love and light as you begin your journey. Be confident—you’ve got this!
With love,
Vanessa Mills