In a world in which texting, snapping and tiktoking make emails feel old fashioned, it is easy to think that letter writing is a thing of the past. In our college essay writing course, Brain Alive, we’re bringing it back. In order to help students uncover their identities and build their writing muscle, we incorporate a lot of free writing. In the 4th and final module of the course, that free writing takes the form of a letter to yourself.
This summer, we were privileged to partner with SquashBusters, a sports-based youth development nonprofit, to launch Brain Alive. We were pleased, though not surprised, by the enthusiasm students showed for writing letters. Since this course is designed around completing the college essay, we spend much of our time unpacking the past and decoding the present. We pause in the last week however to take all of the personal lessons learned and look forward. This is the practice of visualization. Research shows that when we visualize what we want, be that scoring a basket, becoming a doctor, or buying a home, we are more likely to achieve it. For clarity, we don’t require that students know exactly what they want. They don’t have to write about becoming a doctor if they aren’t sure that is the path they wish to go down. They do have to write about the kind of person they want to be, about the kind of personal gifts they’ll share, the communities they’ll create, and attitudes they’ll hold.
Here’s the assignment:
Instructions: Write a letter to your future self describing who you are, where you are, and what you’re doing. You pick the timeframe. This can be anywhere from 2 years into the future, to 10 years or beyond.
You don’t need to describe a clear 5-10 year plan! If you don’t know where you want to go to school, what you want to study, or what kind of career you want - that’s ok! You can imagine a vivid future without those specific details. Consider these things:
What goals are you accomplishing (these can be personal, social, emotional, financial, academic, etc) → Events you want to attend? Milestones you want to cross? Skills you want to acquire? Adventures you want to go on? People you want to meet? Habits you want to develop?
What is your way of being → How do you act, work, learn? What do you wear? What is the place like where you live? What people do you spend time with? What is a typical day like?
One of our students, Claudia, has kindly agreed to let us share her letter with you. We hope you feel as inspired by her positive affirmation and vision as we do.
Dear Future Self,
I hope that you are doing really well, Claudia. I have no idea how old you are but I really do hope that you’re achieving all of your goals. I know that you’re incredibly smart and passionate about so many things and I really do hope that you’re making a positive impact every day. Right now you’re in the middle of writing your college essay, studying for the SAT, and applying for summer jobs. Honestly, it is not that bad but with the Coronavirus happening, things are definitely tough. School starts on November 19th which is actually insane but I am fine with it because it is keeping us safe.
You are eating really healthy and just dyed your hair brown so that feels nice. We really cannot wait for Christmas, I don’t know it is just in the back of my head. I hope that you’re baking and love baking as much as I do. I hope that you are also still as excited about medicine as I am. I do not know which part of your career you are in right now, but I am happy for you regardless. I know that work can be tough and school can too, but I also know you are very, very strong so you can do this. I hope you have your apartment right now and I really hope that you are lighting candles because I really want to do that.
Also, did you cut your hair? Oh my god if you did that, that’s dope but if you didn’t, is it down your back now? You better not be straightening it. Do you have a supportive circle and do you feel really positive and taken care of? I hope so. Are you also woke about what is happening right now? I hope that things are going well. Hopefully, when you’re reading this you don’t need a mask to go outside.
Mark is turning 3, Mami is turning 42, Dad is turning 43 and Vovo is turning 85 in 3 months. I hope that you are all still in touch. I wonder what Mark’s voice sounds like hmmmm? I hope you have a really nice car (but it is okay if you do not) and that your fashion sense is immaculate! I love you so much and I really hope that you are doing really well. Remember that if you need help you should ask for it and don’t be afraid to speak up on issues that concern you!! I really hope that you’re traveling everywhere and that you are taking care of your skin. I love you, please keep telling yourself that!!
Byeeee,
One Bad Chick to Another
We are running 2 sessions of Brain Alive this fall, one in October and one in November. If you or high school students you know are looking for more out of the essay writing process, including letter writing, join us. (If you aren’t into taking the course, that’s cool, but definitely give the letter writing a try.)