A Senior’s Letter to Future Bonnies

This past month, Fontbonne hosted its annual Accepted Students Night – an admissions event that congratulated and welcomed each accepted eighth-grader and their families into the Fontbonne community. Accepted Students Night just so happens to be one of my favorite Fontbonne events, mainly because my own decision to come to Fontbonne was solidified on that night. As someone who has helped organize Accepted Students Night for the past two years, I feel that this event is special because it allows our community to show these accepted students our Fontbonne pride, spirit, and sisterhood.

I have had a lot on my mind knowing that this was my last Accepted Students Night ever. Being a part of admissions for the past four years through SAC has opened so many doors of opportunity for me.

I have met so many future students who are eager to come to Fontbonne this fall. I’ve watched them begin a buddy day with hesitation and end the day never wanting to leave. I’ve bonded with girls who are looking for the same love of tradition and sisterhood that I yearned for when becoming a Bonnie.

To collect my thoughts and share what these past four years have meant for me, I have decided to write a letter to the future Fontbonne students who are starting the best next chapter of their lives.

Dear Future Bonnies,

Entering high school felt like the most surreal experience. Stepping into orientation can feel so scary, knowing that this room full of new faces holds your future best friends, your family for the next four years, and begins the high school experience you’ve dreamed of having. Make every single moment count. Try the new sport that you wouldn’t have tried a year ago, talk to someone new because she looks kind, and make a lifetime of memories with your Fontbonne family who supports you. One of the best decisions that I could have made at Fontbonne was to get involved, immerse myself in our rich community, and learn what I am passionate about while meeting people with these same motivations.

Through my four years, I have built close relationships with my teachers in our small classes that help me learn new things every day. I have screamed my heart out at Fontbonne Christmas, especially while holding a golden ring balloon this past year. I watched my friends get into their dream schools, as we supported each other through the college-process together. But most importantly, I learned how to be myself with girls I consider my sisters.

High school is all about finding balance in your life: a balance between working hard in school, spending time with friends and family, practicing your hobbies and talents, and prioritizing yourself. The freshmen who had no idea what to expect out of high school would be shocked to see the person Fontbonne has helped me grow into today. Within four short years, you will be in my shoes, prepared to take on all that life brings next, with significant life lessons, a strong Fontbonne family, and your irreplaceable high school experiences and memories.

As I leave these halls in a few months, I am confident that you will find your home at Fontbonne Hall alongside the hundreds of other Bonnies that have come before you. Welcome to the next best four years, think of all that you have to look forward to, and cherish every second of it!