I’ve always been extremely future oriented, so I have struggled to find a way to reflect on the past or really write a proper goodbye letter to STA. So instead of a reflection or letter to my freshman year self or something, I am writing a letter to my future self, because I know one day I’ll want to finally look back on my years spent at STA.

Dear Future Audrey,

Hello from the other side (yeah, this Adele song is still popular right now). It’s so weird I’m writing to you. Who knows where you are right now? Procrastinating in a class? Lunch break at your real adult job? Apartment searching? Hopefully all your hard work has paid off and you’re at least happy, if anything.

Right now I’m sitting in Trig class low key trying not to get caught writing this. Today is college day at school, and all your classmates are wearing their college gear. I am happily sporting a DePaul cap and shirt. Proud of us. It’s starting to set in that I’m actually leaving high school soon. All my friends are going to be scattered across the country, and actually, even the world. It’s scary and sad, but I’m excited.

Ever since we were like five years old we’ve dreamed of being a successful, professional, awesome woman in a big, bustling city. It’s so weird that I’m getting somewhat close to that reality. All our hard work has paid off and in a few months I’ll be moving into my dorm in Chicago.

Have you ever noticed how we have always been super future oriented? No doubt you’re still that way. I know you too well. It’s been hard for me to be sad and reflective like all my friends are when I’m sitting in Trig class plotting where I want to apartment search in 2 years. That’s why I’m writing this letter to you in the future instead of the past us. Hopefully it will help you look back and reflect on the amazing time you had at STA.

We owe a lot to STA. First of all, you have met amazing young women here who will go on to do amazing things, and have met some of your best friends. Friends that have helped you through the tough times, friends that laughed with you and cried with you, friends you traveled across the world with, friends you went to dances with, and friends that have stuck by you since grade school. This community here has fostered amazing opportunities for these friendships to grow and become even more meaningful. Remember when you were absolutely devastated and embarrassed junior year when you couldn’t afford a class ring, but then your whole grade bought one for you? STA is a special place where you are always reminded of how you are loved and important.

STA is also special in the way it encouraged you to break out of your shell and show your true colors. Through courses and teachers and classmates you were able to form opinions and help discover your ideals and interests. You found your voice and channeled it through extracurriculars like Newspaper, clubs, and more. Anywhere else, you might not have had such an easy time expressing yourself and might have been judged.

And most importantly, STA challenged you. You were challenged mentally, academically, and socially. High school was not a fun joyride all the time. There were really hard classes. There were difficult encounters with other people. There was definitely more than one existential crisis while doing theology homework. But without these challenges, STA wouldn’t have been as meaningful. This institution recognizes that the reward is greater when you work harder for it. It’s difficult to appreciate sometimes, but I definitely appreciate now.

In a couple short weeks I will be wearing a super unflattering white cap and gown and walking across stage with my classmates. What I’ve worked so hard for the past 4 years is finally arriving, and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for me, but I know one thing for sure, and it’s that even though STA will soon be a part of my past, I couldn’t face the future without it.

From,
Past Audrey