Short Fiction
letter to a future self
Dear Leila in 2028,
The summer of 2024 shimmers with the promise of the dream university, the first semester waiting like an unopened gift. Like all Minervans, I cannot wait to obtain the proper visa, deal with all arising difficulties and challenges, pack my luggage, get to the dorms, connect with all classmates and professors, attend classes on Forum, decorate my room, get through the Foundation week, explore San Francisco, and much more.
Summer is always associated with holidays, a tonne of sunny days, picnics, and friends, but the summer before the first year in university hits differently. From the day I completed the Prepare page on MyMinerva, the upcoming adventures became so real that I felt heavy in my thoughts. Each 'submit' in the visa application forms, each printed page of documents I put away into my green folder, an asymmetrical date for my visa interview appointment: all of these things lined up into a path of steps that take me closer to my dream.
However, nothing can be handled with zero stress, and the same applies to the visa interview. I had been worrying about the questions, answers, expectations, and the final outcome — especially about my possible rejection. Overthinking hits hard. I traveled abroad to attend my interview and got two rejections that made me fell that I am pursuing the wrong thing. Fortunately, everything turned out to be alright during my third interview. After an appointment at the embassy, overwhelmed by joy, I was waiting for the day to pick up my passport with the visa inside and start preparation for the departure date. Holding a passport with the visa inside seems to be a miracle.
Fortunately, good emotions outweigh the negative ones. Excitement fills my soul and body. The past version of me has done so much to be in this position right now. Sleepless nights, exam preparations, activities, olympiads, the application process, interviews, and financial documents consumed me entirely, up until the day I opened my acceptance letter. And I’m proud of myself.
After such a saturated period, I can finally relax without boredom because of Minerva's engaging environment and constant flow of interesting activities. Summer assessments show my abilities and room for growth. Minerva doesn’t leave students without help, so Summer prep groups are organized. Writing, programming, and math are the main focus for Minerva’s freshmen. Awesome upperclassmen host sessions to cover challenging topics and help familiarize M28s with all the Forum features — my favorite are emoji reactions. The vast capabilities of the Forum make studying fun, engaging, and, most importantly, memorable.
In addition, office hours are another thrilling opportunity throughout the summer to get to know my classmates better and learn about their interests, aspirations, motivations, and backgrounds. Sometimes it’s hard to realize that I will spend the next four years in different rotation cities with them. Studying, cooking, traveling, exploring, and learning from each other: all these will be a part of my life by the end of August.
Upperclassmen shared their experience and shed some light on life in San Francisco and other rotation cities. Hilarious stories about every sphere of life can be discovered during office hours. Everyone seems so excited about the upcoming year! It’s like a dream come true.
Of course, there are anxieties. The enormity of the undertaking hits me. San Francisco, with its dazzling Golden Gate Bridge, majestic Muir Woods, and vibrant cultural scene, also has another side. Homelessness and drug issues are the reality here, and it's important to be aware of them. We're not naive. We're adults who chose this path, and we understand that life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. And we're ready to navigate the city's contrasting sides, finding a balance between the excitement of our studies, the thrill of exploring a new place, and the need to be aware of the existing challenges.
Summer promises so much! Fortunately or unfortunately, difficulties have always been a part of the journey, especially when everything happens for the first time. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Every challenge I overcome will make me stronger, and the rewards will be well worth the effort.
Awaiting for the future adventures!
Best wishes,
Leila from 2024
The summer of 2024 shimmers with the promise of the dream university, the first semester waiting like an unopened gift. Like all Minervans, I cannot wait to obtain the proper visa, deal with all arising difficulties and challenges, pack my luggage, get to the dorms, connect with all classmates and professors, attend classes on Forum, decorate my room, get through the Foundation week, explore San Francisco, and much more.
Summer is always associated with holidays, a tonne of sunny days, picnics, and friends, but the summer before the first year in university hits differently. From the day I completed the Prepare page on MyMinerva, the upcoming adventures became so real that I felt heavy in my thoughts. Each 'submit' in the visa application forms, each printed page of documents I put away into my green folder, an asymmetrical date for my visa interview appointment: all of these things lined up into a path of steps that take me closer to my dream.
However, nothing can be handled with zero stress, and the same applies to the visa interview. I had been worrying about the questions, answers, expectations, and the final outcome — especially about my possible rejection. Overthinking hits hard. I traveled abroad to attend my interview and got two rejections that made me fell that I am pursuing the wrong thing. Fortunately, everything turned out to be alright during my third interview. After an appointment at the embassy, overwhelmed by joy, I was waiting for the day to pick up my passport with the visa inside and start preparation for the departure date. Holding a passport with the visa inside seems to be a miracle.
Fortunately, good emotions outweigh the negative ones. Excitement fills my soul and body. The past version of me has done so much to be in this position right now. Sleepless nights, exam preparations, activities, olympiads, the application process, interviews, and financial documents consumed me entirely, up until the day I opened my acceptance letter. And I’m proud of myself.
After such a saturated period, I can finally relax without boredom because of Minerva's engaging environment and constant flow of interesting activities. Summer assessments show my abilities and room for growth. Minerva doesn’t leave students without help, so Summer prep groups are organized. Writing, programming, and math are the main focus for Minerva’s freshmen. Awesome upperclassmen host sessions to cover challenging topics and help familiarize M28s with all the Forum features — my favorite are emoji reactions. The vast capabilities of the Forum make studying fun, engaging, and, most importantly, memorable.
In addition, office hours are another thrilling opportunity throughout the summer to get to know my classmates better and learn about their interests, aspirations, motivations, and backgrounds. Sometimes it’s hard to realize that I will spend the next four years in different rotation cities with them. Studying, cooking, traveling, exploring, and learning from each other: all these will be a part of my life by the end of August.
Upperclassmen shared their experience and shed some light on life in San Francisco and other rotation cities. Hilarious stories about every sphere of life can be discovered during office hours. Everyone seems so excited about the upcoming year! It’s like a dream come true.
Of course, there are anxieties. The enormity of the undertaking hits me. San Francisco, with its dazzling Golden Gate Bridge, majestic Muir Woods, and vibrant cultural scene, also has another side. Homelessness and drug issues are the reality here, and it's important to be aware of them. We're not naive. We're adults who chose this path, and we understand that life isn't always sunshine and rainbows. And we're ready to navigate the city's contrasting sides, finding a balance between the excitement of our studies, the thrill of exploring a new place, and the need to be aware of the existing challenges.
Summer promises so much! Fortunately or unfortunately, difficulties have always been a part of the journey, especially when everything happens for the first time. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Every challenge I overcome will make me stronger, and the rewards will be well worth the effort.
Awaiting for the future adventures!
Best wishes,
Leila from 2024