Dear Freshman Lauren,
After these past three years on this campus, I can definitely say that it's been a learning experience with plenty of ups and downs along the way. I know you're excited to move to Massachusetts and get started at College but to start this out, you need to know you're going to have times where you regret picking Endicott. You're going to have times you question why you ever went to a small school, where you see your friends and wonder why you didn't pick a big state school, and wonder why you chose a school 3,000 miles away from home. Eventually, you're going to realize that you aren't alone and you are surrounded by some of the most caring people you will ever meet.
Throughout your first year, you are going to make friends that you never imagined you'd have. My advice for you is to be social, be yourself, and talk to new people. These are the kind of people who would drive through snow to help dig your car out of the snow and families who invite you to dinner because your family lives on the other side of the country. People here just care about you, your happiness, and your success and they are a valuable bunch. Not only do you get this in friendships or with teammates, but with the faculty at Endicott. Walking through the halls and being told "Good luck tonight!" by every coach you pass is something rare that I wouldn't trade for the world. Your professors guide you through each lecture and want to see you getting the GPA you want, and will even set aside time to help you with anything you are struggling with. The opportunities that you are going to have are going to absolutely blow your mind.
Junior year, you're going to get the chance to intern with the Boston Celtics. You're going to gain valuable knowledge that allows you to not only intern there, but be successful there. While even saying I interned with the Celtics is exciting, it's so important to remember how I got there. When your professors and peers offer their time to you, take advantage of it. Learn through experience and through the knowledge of others that is so graciously provided for you. Never underestimate the power of connections because trust me, they come in handy! I know school is boring and you've never loved it, but know that everything you are learning is going to advance you over others competing for a job once you graduate. When interning, I was consciously using all that I had learned throughout my classes. Don't brush off assignments and half-ass them, really indulge yourself in all that these classes have to offer.
Athletics are going to become your life, and you can let them. Look up to your teammates and the other upperclassmen in the athletic program because these are students that set the bar very high. These are athletes who play for the love of the game, and put their all into every game, practice, and championship opportunity. This is a program that encourages success and allows you to be your very best with the amazing staff and facilities that Endicott Athletics has to offer. Push yourself and your teammates to be the best and don't settle for anything less. When there is a chance to get better, put everything you have into it. Do not let the doubts of losing, injuries, or any other conflicts get in the way of the four seasons that you have here at Endicott.
Make the most of every second you have here because nothing compares to the time spent at Endicott. The people you meet and the experiences you have will help you to develop and grow as a person, athlete, and as a friend. Never take what is offered to you for granted and be positive in every aspect of your life. Talk to your professors and coaches and learn from them. Be motivated by both your success and your failures. Never stop asking yourself if you could be doing more and motivate others not through your words, but through your actions. And most importantly, always remember that every day is a great day to be a Gull!
Sincerely, Your Senior Self
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(Photo Credit - David Le '10)