A letter to first year me: Charlie

Posted on: 4 June 2025 by Richard Finch in Student experiences

Nancy is a Class of 2025 Business Management with Year in Industry graduate. He looks back at her time at the University of Liverpool and thinks about what he would tell his first-year self.

Dear First-Year Charlie

Take a moment to really be where you are. Each year at university will feel different, some will be filled with confidence and excitement, others will challenge you in unexpected ways. But every stage will help you grow. Try not to rush through it. Be present, because these years will shape you more than you realise.

You will meet people who open your eyes to new ways of thinking, living, and being. Some will stay, some won’t, but all of them will teach you something. Invest in the friendships that feel real and grounding. Those are the ones that will carry you through.

In third year, your placement at Bentley Motors will be a turning point. You will learn what it means to thrive in a high- performing environment, and you will start to see your future with more clarity. Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you a little. Being brave will always be worth it.

Mistakes will happen and they are not something to fear. Every wrong turn is a lesson that will make you sharper, kinder, and more self-aware. Ask questions. Ask for help. It does not make you less capable, it makes you stronger.

Make time for the things you love. Cooking, slow evenings, walks with friends. You are allowed to enjoy life, not just chase results. Some of your most meaningful moments will happen outside of lecture halls.

Trust yourself. You are becoming someone capable, thoughtful, and full of potential. Keep going, you are on the right path. I’m so excited for you to begin this amazing journey.

With pride,

Future Charlie 💪