A letter to my younger self

Dear Vicky
My first year at University was a somewhat interesting and unexpected experience. I came to Rhodes University thinking that I am here for one specific purpose: to study and receive a degree. However as the year progressed it became clear that there is a lot more that comes with being a first year in Varsity. There were so many new things which I had to adjust to and learn to deal with like choosing my courses, partying and passing, lectures, societies, boys, making new friends and of course avoiding the infamous first year spread.
All those things were relatively easy to master as we received many hints and outlines, not to mention tons of pamphlets. Even making friends was relatively easy, in fact making friends was extremely easy seeing as you live with the people and they soon become part of your daily routine. You become so used to having them around that holidays without them seem weird and you feel like the only way you can achieve normality in your life again, is to get back to your university and your friends there. I even remember how I met every single one of my friends, just like I remember the day you and me became friends. I even began to realise and understand what people meant when they said that the friends you make in university are going to remain friends for life. However this attachment and closeness you share with your friends has one major downfall: saying goodbye.
You never assume that when you begin your first year you will have to let some of your closest friends go either in the middle of the year or at the end of it. There is no lecture or course that warns you about it, and when it happens not only is it a shock but also an eye opener and heartbreak. Saying goodbye to a friend is terrible as I’m sure you recall how difficult it was for us to part when I began my University journey. It is an unexpected shock to your system and your happy life which included them in it. All of a sudden they are not at the dinning hall, or at Friars, you even miss them at special parties and functions. You think of how much you miss them and how much they would have loved to be there with you. But worst of all you feel like a part of you is missing. It isn’t easy saying goodbye which is why I am glad that the next time I see you I will be saying hello.
Lots of Love Viktoria