4 Page Letter: Miss Junior and Class Present Sincerely, You

When was the last you wrote a letter to your future self? If you answered never or not in a long time, Miss Junior and the Junior Class hosted a Sincerely, You event, which gave students this opportunity–to write a letter to their future selves, but with a twist.
Miss Junior and agricultural business major, Faith Woods, was asked what made her create this interactive event in conjunction with the Junior Class: “I wanted to give the students a chance to breathe first, coming to a space to reconnect with themselves and their goals. But most importantly, to make memories and put them in the time capsule for an event in the future to reopen the capsule.”
The event occurred in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union inside the Royal Cotillion Ballroom on Monday, October 16, 2023. Students entered the Ballroom with its intentional theme of peace and low light atmosphere. Upon entering, you were able to walk through the candlelit pathway that led you to tables of supplies to help write your letters.
The student leaders called themselves the Incredible 7, featuring all members of the Junior Class Cabinet including the Royal Court Queen herself, Faith Woods.
The event commenced with a memorable icebreaker in which students introduced themselves by standing in a circle, hot potato style with a miniature stuffed jaguar. If the stuffed “Baby Jag” landed in your hands when the music stopped, you had to introduce yourself and take a Polaroid picture. Using the photo that was taken live, once you finished writing your letter, you put the Polaroid in your envelope to seal and drop it in the capsule.
Freshman, nursing major, De’Ajah Griffin, attended this event stating, “The event was overall amazing. It really helped motivate me to accomplish my goal of someday getting into nursing school. Definitely an eye-opener.”
Sophomore, child development major, Katelyn King, also attended the the event on her 20th birthday. With it being during midterms, King reflects on her personal life in her letter to her future self.
During the brief presentation during the event, students were advised to use the S.M.A.R.T method while drafting their letters which stood for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Junior Class President and nursing major, Saraa Abdullah, was asked what advice do you have for students who may struggle with expressing their feelings whether chaotic or goal-driven: “Chaos is still valued–It’s still your moment to dive deep into that feeling. You came to college with an end goal. Whether or not you attended the event, you can still find time to make your emotions intentional and overall goal-focused. Your story is your memoir no matter what!”
All letters for the event were sealed and placed into the time capsule which will be located in the John B. Cade Library Archives until the official date aimed at reopening them, which is yet to be announced. Once that time comes, students will be able to open their letters and reflect on their future selves.