A Letter to My Younger Self
Brooke,
Congratulations on completing your high school career and preparing yourself for what’s to come in the next four years. I know you might not feel like you are completely prepared for what you’re about to endure, but your peers that turn into your lifelong friends will be there for you every step of the way. You knew that no matter where you went to college, you would have to start a new chapter, so don’t be afraid to open-up to people sooner. I know it might seem like you are better off on your own, but you’ll learn here that you are stronger when you work as a team.
Speaking of teams, you aren’t going to finish your softball career how you thought, and that is more than okay. You are going to fall out of love with the sport but will reestablish your love for cheerleading. Here, you are able to be more like yourself and work with some amazing people. There will be highs and lows just like any sport, but it will all be worth it in the end. The leadership lessons you learn are invaluable and will undoubtably help you in the future.
There will be highs and lows just like any sport, but it will all be worth it in the end. The leadership lessons you learn are invaluable and will undoubtably help you in the future.
You will learn in time that perfection is not as attainable as it was in high school and there are many trade-offs you’ll have to make. Between academics, practices, and plebe duties, you will see it is difficult to find time to take for yourself, but do not let the overwhelming day-to-day chaos cloud your “why”. It is okay to take a step back from everything and change your mind about your strategy. Don’t get too caught up in making sure every assignment you turn in is perfect because it is going to wear you out faster than you think. Instead, take some of that time and hang-out with your teammates and company-mates because they are most likely going through the same things too.
Going to college is an accomplishment in itself, but you are also joining the Army, which is something that you didn’t dream of growing up. I know others might doubt you back home or question your ability to get through your four years, but all of the early morning basketball practices, the long golf matches, and the softball tournaments across the country have prepared you for what’s to come. Being physically fit will help you with many obstacles, but being mentally tough and agile will get you through the toughest days.
My last piece of advice would be to not let this place change who you are. You are going to interact with many different people who have different “why’s” than you and are motivated by different things than you and that’s okay.
Pressure is a privilege that very few have in this world. Acknowledge the pressures and challenges on your 47 month journey here and respond with grace. Everything happens for a reason, whether you see it or not, and staying grounded in who you are will make you a better person at the end of the day.
Celebrate your highs and stay strong through your lows, but never let yourself lose sight of who you are. Lean on your friends and let your friends lean on you. Most importantly, let yourself love and be loved.
-Brooke Tuttle, West Point Class of 2023