Alex Short- A Letter To My Future Self

Dear Alex,

First of all, hi! I hope you’re doing ok! I’m writing to remind you a bit about what your first weeks at Wesleyan were like, because as you read this you’ll be starting your last. In case you forgot (maybe it’s for the best), your early days at Wes were kind of difficult. Fall of 2020 was a tough time to start classes, for reasons I bet you remember. You spent a lot of time alone, which kept people safe but was obviously not ideal. In-person classes and parties aren’t really an option for me right now, although I’m sure you’ve had more than your share. I expect you’ve sunk your teeth into this whole “college experience” I’ve been hearing so much about. Speaking of your teeth, I hope they’re better now. It’s so unfair we’re the only one in the family with wonky teeth. We’re also the first child to leave home for college, which is hard, but in a different way. I guess Will will already be in college when you read this. Does that still feel unbelievable? He’s going to do so well wherever he ends up. Kyle’s first day of high school was the day I’m writing this. For you, he’s a senior. Do you remember how much you wished you could be home for his first day as a freshman? You should call him. And Will. And Mom and Dad. I hope that you miss home less, but still a little. Don’t forget how special it is. 

Obviously you’ve picked a major by now (or double major! or minor!), and I can’t wait to figure out what it is and where you’ve found your passion. However, if I could offer you some advice, I would say not to limit yourself to that particular interest. It’s your senior year; keep taking classes just because they interest you, while still filling your major requirements. That’s how I found Dance class, something I never thought I’d try. In the first two weeks of class, I’ve already used a sampur, danced at my desk, and read more literature about Javanese court dance than I knew existed. And I’ve loved all of it! Trying new things, especially things I have no previous experience with, is what I’m most excited about at Wes. It’s already helped me find out things about myself that I never knew. For example, I want to go to Indonesia and watch Javanese court dance in person! It’s a dance form unlike any I’ve ever seen, and I had no clue it even existed two weeks ago. Unlike most western styles of dance (dance that I’m familiar with), court dance is slow and low to the ground. The dancers’ faces stay the same throughout the performance,and they must rely on their bodies to communicate. The movement style has deep cultural and spiritual roots, and the dancers perform with dignity and respect. But it’s not only the dancers who are involved. Here’s the thing about court dance: it’s holistic. It’s about the music, and the dancers, and the audience, and the costumes all coming together. Every component of the performance is important, and contributes to the experience as a whole. In the four years it will take for this letter to reach you, I hope you’ve remembered to take a holistic approach to college, to appreciate and take advantage of every part of your Wesleyan experience. More than just intriguing classes, find people, books, food, clubs, anything that you think could add to your life at school. And for God’s sake, if you haven’t made it to Indonesia yet, GO! Don’t forget how much you want to. 

See you in four years!

Love, 

Alex 

P.S. Remember to calm down and go easy on yourself! If you’ve made it this far, I’m pretty sure everything is going to be ok. 

Written by Alex Short