Dear Kate,
You've made it!!! You're finally back at the bottom of the totum pole. YOU ARE A COLLEGE FRESHMAN! YEEHAW!!! I know that right about now you're having trouble remembering why you chose a college so far away that no one you know is attending, and are starting to wonder if you should just go back home. Don't. The friendships you forge and the opportunities afforded to you while you are there help you see who you truly are and what you're all about. You came here to make your own identity and not be "Teresa's daughter" anymore. What freedom!!! Now that I've reminded you of your intentions, here's a few things to help you along. And please....PAY CLOSE ATTENTION!
Ok. First off. You are, first and foremost, a MUSICIAN! Do what you need to do. Get the practicing, the homework, the rehearsals, and the gawd-awful music theory DONE everyday before doing anything else. You'll regret it if you don't. I promise. And for God's Sake, resist the urge to buck your professors even though you HATE classical music with a passion. It really is the foundation of all other music and you NEED to know it, or you won't get very far. Get it out of the way. Do this and your grades will stay up and you won't have to graduate in debt.
Secondly, don't spend so much time in Kerrigan's. Six nights a week, from open to close, is entirely too much time on a smoke-filled dance floor. Yeah, I know. Being there and listening to the band, even singing with them, keeps your dreams alive, but without the aforementioned work, they will remain just that. Dreams. You will find out a lot about yourself here. Especially when it comes to love, or better yet, your diluted definition of love. Prepare to have your heart broken. High school crushes were nothing compared to this if you're not careful. Remember that just because someone is friendly towards you doesn't necessarily mean they are your friend. Keep an eye out for ulterior motives. They're everywhere. And if you should happen upon a fellow named Charlie, keep him at arm's length. Trust me. He's more harmful to you than anything you could imagine. You are the only one who can protect yourself. Your friends will try, but the decisions are yours, and so are the consequences. Be warned. A seemingly innocent invitation to stay at someone's house to sleep because you're too tired to drive all the way back to Mt. Vernon, isn't so innocent. Learn the word no. In 9,000 different languages. And fight. HARD.
Thirdly, Miss Stanley is retiring soon. You know that. Despite what your peers do, STAY IN HER MUSIC THEORY CLASS AT ALL COSTS! Her replacement is a troll, and you won't like him. If you don't, you'll get discouraged and get behind. Don't give in. Finish what you started. Benward isn't that bad comparatively. Don't give up. Bury yourself in your work instead of trying to find love. Love will come soon enough and I'm trying to keep you from making a monstrous mistake. Friends you had in high school are not your friends now. All of you are totally different people and you no longer compliment each other. Let them go. It will save you a lot of heartache in the end. Don't marry the first man who asks and DON'T get married because you feel obligated to do so when you do accept. And, whether you want to or not, talk to Mama. She loves you and is willing to help. You just have to tell her what the problem is. She may get mad or disappointed, but she's still there. Don't be so scared of her. She's not that bad, I promise. And don't forget Chip. He's your big brother and can supply you with a wealth of knowledge on how to be an adult. He's already blazed the trail for you. Why waste the energy on your own?
Pay attention to Dr. Retif. Show some respect. He is a wealth of knowledge. Drink all you can. It will only make you better. You are going through a lot of changes with the school so don't get too comfortable. And working at Six Flags may seem awesome, but weigh your options carefully while you are there. Apply for a sergeant or lieutenant position. See what happens. Finish your education degree and stay in South Georgia. Transferring isn't the answer. Whatever you do, keep in touch with Kyle. Even though he seems like a freak now, his friendship will be indispensable. Keep your sorority sisters close and your enemies closer. You will make a few. Don't worry though, you will know exactly how to deal with them when the time comes.
These are going to prove to be the best years of your life and I am positive if you keep those things in mind and maintain your common sense, you will exceed everyone's already overwhelming expectations. You will never be alone if you always remember to love yourself. If you love yourself, then no one has a reason to hate you.
Lastly, remember that you are a lady. And a lady always knows when to leave.
~Kate
I encourage you to do the same. If you feel so moved, please share!
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