Dear Brenau,
I can’t believe a year has already passed since I walked onto your campus and lodged myself into everything you stand for. My freshman year is almost over and that breaks my heart. I love you, Brenau. From your historic buildings to the people who work and study here, every part of you makes me wish to strive for bigger and better things and to become “as gold refined by fire.”
When I first applied here, I wasn’t aware of how much you would come to mean to me. I thought that I would just be attending the school in my backyard; a school my aunt went to back in the day. I can still remember the times before my freshman year. Times like Winter Weekend, where I met students that you had already made an impact on, and made memories like Orientation, where I made friends with my fellow classmates. I didn’t realize how much you would come to affect me, now as a student and before I was ever here.
The memories of meeting you are ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I recently discovered an old photo of me back when I was in first grade, standing in front of the Brenau Fountain on the front lawn. While I am so privileged to have met you when I was young, I am so excited to see images of how you have been silently changing me over the years. I never noticed it, but as I grew up, I was thrust into your view time and time again, by pushing little signs my way. For instance, I have always had to pass by Lucille on my way to my aunt’s house. I have been on numerous field trips here to see the Gainesville Ballet or a GTA show. My aunt attended school here in 1979, always telling me about her time here and how she adores you. It is only now, after my first year with you, that I realize just how long you have been there, pushing me towards you.
I sit writing this letter to you while sitting at the front desk in the library, watching students studying for finals. A few of my friends I made at Orientation have left Brenau, choosing to venture to other schools, deciding that Brenau wasn’t for them. I finally understand that now. The students aren’t the ones who choose Brenau; Brenau chooses her students herself. I can’t wait to experience my sophomore year here with you. Thank you, Brenau, for an amazing beginning.
Love from a Brenau Freshman