I went to the post office for the first time in 18 years to buy a sheet of stamps. Wait… what? Who even sends letters anymore?
Since coming to college, I’ve grown to appreciate hand-written notes and seeing an envelope through the little one-inch wide window of my dorm room mailbox. I mean, it’s pretty much impossible to lose contact with people from home. You still follow them on Instagram, see their new college updates through Facebook, and shoot them a quick text every now and then, but there’s something missing.
It takes 0.1 seconds to double tap a photo on Instagram, 20 seconds to briefly glance over a Facebook post, and 10 seconds to type a “Let’s FaceTime soon” text and send it. But writing a letter takes so much more time than that.
To me, a hand-written letter is a symbol of “I’m busy, but I took time out of my day to sit down, not doing anything else, and hand-write you this letter because I care about you.” It’s thinking about what the other person’s life is like, and asking for in-depth updates. It’s updating the other person about your new life, little details, funny stories that they would totally relate to, and moments of realization.
In a way, writing a letter to someone is also a way for you to personally reflect on the high points, low points, and lessons learned in your college journey. It’s sending a part of you to someone far away, so when they open and read, it’s like you’re there with them.
Since December 7th is Letter Writing Day, you might consider briefly closing your laptop, textbook, or notebook, and pulling out a sheet of paper; grab your favorite pen, a good cup of tea, and an envelope. Send someone a letter, however long or short, with whatever you want in it. Let them know you miss them, ask how they’re doing, share a funny story. Then seal it up, and drop it in the mailbox, sending off a whole lot of love.
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