This experiment was challenging. It forced me to dig deep and ask myself difficult questions; in some cases, it even pushed me to recall some less upbeat memories. But that’s part of growing up – living and learning through experience. So, although this experiment forced me to tap into my emotions, ultimately being far more introspective than I could’ve imagined, it helped me to recognize significant growth in myself. Above all, it was comforting to recognize the tangible things I often take for granted – college friends, roommates, and the lively Ann Arbor. Though I never explicitly mentioned these things because they are so niche and would alienate some of my audience, they were certainly driving much of my advice and reflection.

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With my exploration of the open letter genre, I did encounter some challenges. First and foremost, learning how to make my experiences relatable for others was difficult. In order to do so, I had to be broad with my language and experiences. For example, instead of discussing a specific event in which I felt overwhelmed, I described that feeling of being overwhelmed more generally. In doing so, this genre helped me to become more articulate. I recently began considering my post-graduation plans, and this experiment took me back to high school when I feared inevitable change. I would be lying if I said this experiment helped me to be okay with uncertainty, but it did put things into perspective.

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I am not alone; I am not the only one wondering what’s to come. And although something like a pandemic is a major roadblock for everyone, perhaps I’ll be sitting here five years down the road writing to my current self. So yes – this experiment stirred up nostalgia and made me recognize just how quickly time passes. But it also shifted my outlook for the better.