StaffEditorial

I wanted to write you this letter to guide you through the next four years at this place you will eventually call a second home. The journey will take you through ups and downs, highs and lows and will not always be easy. One thing that will never change, however, is the sisterhood and support that your Marian sisters give you. 

Starting off with freshman year, you walk in on your first day. Some of your classmates already have many friends; some of your classmates know no one. The first couple of weeks feel like a whirlwind with so many new people and new experiences. You don’t quite know where you fit in, but give it time. It really does get better. Continue to be yourself, and the right people will find you. After Walk-A-Thon, Freshman retreat, Surprise Day and Field Day, you will begin to understand just how special this school is. Your first Field Day will feel surreal, so remember to soak it all up. You will only have three more. 

Next up is sophomore year and you are beginning to find your fit here. Friendships begin to change, which can be difficult. Just remember that the girls around you all want the same thing: to support each other and feel welcomed. When it begins to get colder out, winter formal will be a night of fun and dancing to brighten spirits. Your class will begin to grow closer, and you will have the chance to meet even more new girls in your classes. Power through the Sophomore Slump and stay motivated. Your junior year self will thank you. 

Moving on to junior year which is notorious for the ACT, school work, first prom, volunteer projects and starting to prepare for college. This year will test your patience, but it will also grow your resilience. Remember to stay on top of your work, and do your best not to procrastinate. Try out for new activities and sports because time is beginning to run out. There will be times that you feel stressed while balancing schoolwork, test prep, activities and spending time with family and friends, but keep your head up. One day, you will miss these moments. 

Wrapping it all up, senior year is the year of many lasts. You will begin the year with your last first day and Senior Sunrise. It will feel like you still have so much time. You grow closer with your class and begin to dread the day you will have to split up with your best friends. College essays, Scoir, scholarships and College Board will be words you hear very often. Start early on all of these things, and remember that it will all work out in the end. 

When it comes to finding the perfect college, staying close to home does not mean that you aren’t afraid of going far, and going far just means you are ready for a new environment. It will feel like a relief when all of these big life decisions are over and done with. 

Then it begins to hit you, last prom, last Field Day, final days with your best friends all being in the same school; it is all over. This place that has led you through so many ups and downs, and has taught you so much, has become your second home. 

One day, you will look back and miss all of the laughs, smiles, memories and every moment in between. Enjoy every moment, it goes by way faster than you think it will.

Sincerely, 

Your senior year self

compliments of the senior Network Staffers 2025