Openness to Questions
~ Zoe Karoub
When we decided to create Seeds of Success, we envisioned cultivating meaningful connections across generations of the Creative Writing Concentration. The idea was exciting, but we weren't sure if we would draw interest from many underclassmen or alums. We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of sign-ups, particularly from alums! Their willingness to take time out of their busy lives to help us truly inspired me and served as a testament to the lasting impact of this program. I was able to join the meeting with 2024 alum Annika, and I found it so helpful to speak with someone who is just beginning her post-grad life. Like everyone, I have anxieties about finding a job after graduation. But I find myself most nervous for living away from the bubble of college - nearby friends, built-in support systems, less responsibilities. Annika reassured me and offered concrete examples about how she's managing this adjustment period. She also reminded me that there is an adjustment period, and it's important not to be hard on myself when I inevitably struggle. I was extremely grateful for Annika's (and all the alums') advice and openness to all our questions. They made me more hopeful about life beyond college - and also excited to continue my connection with Fordham, even after graduation!
Connecting with underclassmen was also an amazing experience. Before starting this project, I questioned whether I actually had wisdom to share with them. Time flew by so fast that sometimes I still feel like a freshman. Once I began meeting the underclassmen, though, I was able to reflect on the past four years and share those experiences with other students. This process was very gratifying and gave me more confidence in the knowledge I've gained. I even found myself learning from the underclassmen, too. I was thoroughly impressed by their passion and curiosity! I emphasized both to the underclassmen and alums that I hope this project turns into long-term connections. And in reflecting on the project, I definitely see these initial conversations turning into the rich network that we imagined as a class.