Dear Graduating GRLs: Your Next Chapter Starts Now
Hey gorgeous graduates,
First off – you did it! You survived high school, which honestly deserves a major celebration. Whether you're headed to college, starting a job, taking a gap year, or diving into something completely different, you're about to step into a whole new version of yourself. And I'm here for it.
This letter is for you as you pack up your childhood bedroom, say goodbye to the hallways you've walked for years, and get ready to write the next chapter of your story.
You're Not the Same Person You Were Freshman Year
Remember that awkward 14-year-old who walked into high school not knowing where anything was? Look how far you've come. You've grown, learned, figured some things out, and probably cringed at old photos along the way.
Here's the beautiful thing: you get to keep evolving. The person you were in high school was perfect for that time, but you don't have to stay exactly the same forever. You can try new things, discover new interests, and even surprise yourself.
Maybe you were the quiet kid who's ready to be more outgoing. Maybe you were always in drama club but want to try intramural sports. Maybe you've never been into activism but suddenly care deeply about environmental issues. This is your chance to explore all the different versions of yourself.
Stay True to Your Core While You Explore
Growing doesn't mean abandoning who you are. Your values – the things that really matter to you deep down – those are your North Star. Whether it's kindness, honesty, creativity, justice, or humor, hold onto what makes you you.
You can change your major three times, join clubs you never thought you'd be interested in, make friends who are completely different from your high school crew, and still be authentically yourself. Growth and authenticity aren't opposites – they're best friends.
Say Yes to the Scary-Exciting Things
Join that club that seems intimidating. Try out for something you've never done before. Sign up for the class that has nothing to do with your major but sounds fascinating. Sit with new people at lunch.
The magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Some of the best friendships, opportunities, and discoveries come from saying "why not?" to things that make your heart beat a little faster.
When It Gets Overwhelming (And It Will)
Real talk: there will be moments when you feel completely out of your depth. When everyone else seems to have it figured out and you're just trying to remember where your next class is. When you miss your mom's cooking and your dog and your own bed so much it physically hurts.
This is normal. This is not failure. This is just part of the process.
When overwhelm hits:
Take it one day at a time. You don't have to have your whole life figured out by Tuesday.
Call home. Missing your family doesn't mean you're not independent enough.
Find your people. Even one good friend can make everything feel more manageable.
Remember that everyone is figuring it out too. That confident-looking person in your sociology class? They're probably just as nervous as you are.
Don't Forget to Have Fun
Here's something adults don't always tell you: this phase of your life is supposed to be fun. Yes, work hard. Yes, be responsible. But also laugh until your stomach hurts, stay up too late talking about life with your roommate, try foods you can't pronounce, and dance like nobody's watching.
You're young, you're learning, you're growing – embrace the mess and the magic of it all. Take silly photos. Go to random campus events. Say yes to spontaneous adventures (within reason – we'll get to safety in a sec).
Love Boldly, Laugh Often
You're going to meet people who change your perspective, challenge your thinking, and maybe even break your heart a little. Let yourself care deeply about friendships, causes, and yes, romantic relationships too.
Love isn't just romantic – it's the connection you feel with your study group, the way you light up talking about your passion project, the warmth you feel when someone really gets your sense of humor.
And please, please keep laughing. Life is too short and too beautiful not to find joy in the ridiculous moments. Laugh at yourself when you walk into the wrong classroom. Laugh with friends over inside jokes. Find humor in the chaos.
Stay Safe and Stay Smart
I need to talk about something serious for a minute. Your safety matters more than being polite or fitting in. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Always watch your drink. At parties, at bars, even at casual gatherings – never leave your drink unattended, don't accept drinks from strangers, and if it tastes weird, put it down. This isn't about being paranoid; it's about being smart.
Look out for your friends and let them look out for you. Have each other's locations shared. Check in with each other. Real friends will never pressure you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
You're Writing Your Own Story Now
For the first time, you get to make choices without asking permission. You get to decide what matters to you, how you spend your time, who you want to become. That's both thrilling and terrifying, and that's exactly how it should feel.
Some of your choices will be amazing. Some will be learning experiences (aka mistakes, but we're reframing them). All of them will be yours.
It's Okay Not to Have It All Figured Out
Despite what social media might suggest, you don't need to have your five-year plan mapped out before you turn 20. You don't need to know your exact career path, your life partner, or where you want to live forever.
You just need to keep moving forward, keep learning, keep growing. The path will reveal itself as you walk it.
Trust Yourself
You have good instincts. You're smarter and stronger than you realize. You've already overcome challenges and made good decisions – trust that you'll continue to do so.
When people try to tell you what you "should" do with your life, listen politely and then remember that only you get to decide what feels right for your story.
Final Thoughts
This next phase of your life is going to be messy and beautiful and challenging and amazing. There will be days when you feel like you're absolutely crushing it and days when you want to hide under your covers and pretend adulthood isn't real.
Both feelings are valid. Both are part of the journey.
You're entering a world that needs your energy, your ideas, your compassion, and your unique perspective. Don't dim your light to fit in. Shine brightly and see who's drawn to your glow.
The world is lucky to have you in it. Now go show them what you've got.
Cheering you on from the sidelines (but always here if you need a pep talk),
The GRL Initiative
P.S. Don't forget to take pictures. Not just the perfect ones for Instagram, but the real ones too. The random Tuesday afternoon with friends, the moment you figure out something difficult, the sunset from your dorm window. These are the memories you'll treasure.
