Senior Freshman Letters
Cabot High’s Senior Class of 2026 reflect upon their ‘freshman letters’ given to them at the end of their school year.
Senior N’Shunna Battles focused on one peculiar thing with this opportunity to write to herself.
“I definitely talked a lot about myself,” Battles said. “It was mostly me talking about Japan and emphasizing my excitement with that topic.”
Ordinary things often came from within one’s own mind and from the essence that person embodied. There was fear and nervousness about the day the letter returned.
“I’m not ready to receive my letter,” Battles said. “I know very little about what I said to myself.”
Battles felt inspired about her ‘letter to future self’ letter, noting when she wrote her letter, personality was written in the pages.
“I feel like my letter brought a sassy attitude; in a good way,” Battles said.
Learning to live in the moment helped build a positive perspective and shaped how someone viewed the journey overall. Senior Kylee Barneam took in the original high school experience with gratitude and was appreciative.
“I just told myself too, basically, make the most of the next four years,” Barneam said.
Barneam believed that this chapter of her life was full of aspirations.
“My writing was hopeful,” Barneam said. “I would say that it would even be designed to sound like a Taylor Swift song, just based on my hopes for the future.”
Barneam understood that the journey was more admirable, highlighting the importance of freshman year and getting through high school.
“Everything I had been through matters the most,” Barneam said. “It shows how much I’ve overcome and accomplished.”
Senior Lily Kelley believed her freshman year was a significant part of her high school experience.
“I gave myself a fresh look into that year,” Kelley said. “Everything was happening at that time.”
Kelley felt her writing was calm and non-emotional in reflection to what was going on around her.
“I don’t think I can give my letter a tone,” Kelley said. “If anything, it was very bland at the time and hard to reciprocate into the letter.”
Kelley felt emotion played a big part in growth and overall success in feeling comfortable with vulnerability.
“Its important to grow while you are discovering how you feel,” Kelley said. “Education is big and you can take that with you later on.”
Senior K’nani Cantrall claimed time has stolen some memories.
“I don’t remember much,” Cantrall said. “Freshman year is a bit of a blur now.”
Cantrall believed that gentle words were essential when having to speak to your future self.
“My freshman letter was calm,” Cantrall said. “I just want to make sure that it’s sweet and anything I tell myself is to reflect my growth, instead of insecurity.”
Cantrall was confident in receiving the freshman letter and didn’t have any concern, approaching the topic with a neutral vibe.
“I am quite prepared to get my letter back,” Cantrall said.
Cantrall was certain that the content involved in the letter was more impactful and mattered more than the reaction.
“The content should be recognized better,” Cantrall said. “Because then you can witness the progress you’ve made while you read it.”
These letters were given out to students the last few days of their senior year. As graduation was near, students reflected and then continued to prepare for the next chapter in their lives.
