A letter to first year me: Zuzanna

Posted on: 12 July 2023 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Zuzanna is a Class of 2023 BSc Microbiology graduate. Here, she looks back at her time at the University of Liverpool and thinks about what she would tell her first-year self.

Dear First Year Me,

Are you ready for three wild and wonderful years? Och, co za przygoda…

The COVID-19 pandemic brought heart-breaking loss and major change of plans, but your effort, strength, and determination sent you where you needed to be. In first year, you’ll learn so much about people, and most importantly about yourself. You stayed proactive by picking up a new sport and working at that busy fast-food joint. There’ll be times where you’ll feel different or anxious, but later you’ll thrive in the right environment.

As you start at the University of Liverpool in second year, you will likely be a little lost. Masks and sanitizers aside, you’re finally in that lecture hall you’ve dreamed about. You’ll make the most out of in-person interactions and really start learning. This is the time you’ll make your best friends, those friends who welcomed you into their home country, taught you, and opened your eyes to positive energy. They’ll be the people to support you until the end, so keep making those exciting memories!

Final year will come around way too quickly. You’re 21, writing your dissertation, and truly loving what you’re doing. It’s hard, but you love the rewarding feeling. You expressed your pride this year and lived in the moment while always staying true to yourself. With a cool job on campus, you really got to develop your confidence and take part in amazing opportunities. I’m so proud of you for working so hard, completing all those summer internships, and taking on so many responsibilities simultaneously.

There’s still a way to go and a lot more to experience, but this was a pretty great start. I hope you keep appreciating the little things and stay unbothered by negatives or setbacks. Keep in touch with those professors and friends, stay happy, and don’t forget to take photos!

Je t’aime, 

Zuzanna :)