Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. NDSU students spend years learning, studying, connecting with classmates and working toward their degree, which creates and full, rich and unique experience.
We asked some of our students to write a letter to their freshman selves to reflect on their NDSU experience. Each illustrates the personal growth, sense of accomplishment and pride many of our students feel as they meet the goal of earning an NDSU degree.
NDSU’s winter commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, December 17 at Sanford Health Athletic Complex.
2 p.m. - College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Engineering; College of Human Sciences and Education; and College of Interdisciplinary Studies.
5 p.m. - College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Business; College of Health Professions; and College of Science and Mathematics.
HOPE BRIGHTON
MAJOR: Emergency management
MINORS: Political science, sociology
HOMETOWN: Plainview, Minnesota
Dear Hope,
Prepare yourself for some of the best years and hardest moments of your life. You’ll meet some of your best friends, who will grow with you over the next few years. You will spend late nights, both having fun and in the library, being kept awake solely by the sheer terror of your upcoming exam and a little caffeine. You’ll meet professors who will make you laugh and cry. But just try to remember it’s all out of love. Their guidance and advice will help you, not only in your academics, but also for the rest of your life. But most importantly, you’ll meet the person you’re about to become.
You are going to face challenges that you can’t even imagine. You’re going to miss home, friends, family, familiar faces and, most importantly, your mom’s cooking. You’ll break down crying on your way home from your first day at a job and question all your life decisions. You’re going to lose friends, fail some tests and be really cold. But remember that you’re going to be OK.
You’ll make friends that become your second family. They’ll be there for you when you need them and you’ll be there for them when they need you. They’re going to teach you many things, including how to be a good friend in this crazy adventure you’re about to begin.
Your professors are going to push you, challenge you and maybe sometimes make you question your mental sanity. They’ll also give you amazing opportunities and inevitably make you a stronger person.
So here we go, I think you should know a few things.
Explore Fargo. There are so many adventures to be had here. You just need to look a little bit harder to find them.
Remember that, like you, other students also are going through some of their hardest moments. So have grace with them and have grace with yourself.
Remember to slow down and take a breath every once in a while. Even with the challenges, these next few years are going to be some of the best years of your life. Time will fly.
Finally, remember that above all else you are worthy of love and happiness.
Regardless of the good and the bad ahead of you, just try. Whatever it is, give it everything you have. If it doesn’t work out, so what? You’re going to be happy at the end of these next few years when you look back and know that, even if you failed, it’s better than wondering what could have been.
I am so proud of you and the challenges you’re going to overcome, victories you’ll celebrate and memories you’ll laugh about when you look back. I am so proud of who you have become and for what is ahead of you.
Love,
Hope xoxo
