Dear Future Lindsay,

I’m writing this at the end of my first year of college, and surprisingly, this composition class has turned out to be one of the more grounded parts of my week. While most of my time has been spent in packed lecture halls doing equations and solving 98 step math equations, this class offered something different.. slower, more human. It gave me space to think, to actually use language to explore connection, and to interact with people in a more authentic way.

I’ve always liked reading and writing, but had never given it as much time as I would’ve liked. I have a lot to say for the most part, but I’m a slow writer. I tend to overthink, rephrase, and hesitate. It’s not that I don’t enjoy it; it’s just hard to get out of my own head sometimes. Since starting college, though; I’ve gotten better at letting go of that perfectionism. First year composition gave me regular practice and I’ve started to trust my first thoughts a bit more.

This class stood out because it asked me to pay attention. Not just to grammar or structure, but to my own thoughts and experiences, and to the voices of others in the room. That kind of engagement felt rare compared to the more anonymous vibe of my other courses. It reminded me that learning doesn’t have to be impersonal.

If you’re reading this later, I hope you still make time to write. Not for a grade, but because its a way of caring. keep writing poems about snails and letters to those you love. And if you need a reminder of how far you’ve come, check out the portfolio. It’s all there.

-Me