Letter to Seniors from Fourth Estate Alums

Sofia Ramirez, Ada Green, and Dionne Peterson

May 19, 2026

Letter to Seniors from Fourth Estate Alums

Dear Class of 2026,

It feels strange writing this letter knowing that not long ago it was us who were in the position you are now, feeling excited, uncertain, and more unprepared than we would like to admit. Although we all chose our own unique paths, we can all agree that college has been everything that we thought it was going to be, and simultaneously nothing like we ever could’ve imagined.

College will test you in ways you never could have expected. It’s not just about finding new academic limits; it’s about learning who you are independent of the people that you grew up with. When you make mistakes, and trust me, you will, give yourself grace and learn from them.

There will be times when you’re questioning if this path is the right one for you, times when you’re missing home, but just know that with time, everything will work itself out. It’s easy to recall those first days after move-in, when we were practically all counting down the days until Thanksgiving. So, if you arrive at college and feel like maybe it isn’t the place for you and you’re missing home, I would encourage you to give it time, because what you’re feeling is natural and most of the time that feeling fades.

Soon enough, you’ll begin to slip and start referring to “home” as college, and then you’ll realize it’s become exactly that. Your roommates will become your family and the campus your home, and suddenly you’ll be dreading your return to Santa Barbara the same way you were dreading your departure.

As you take this next step into the future, remember to cherish your time there. Don’t rush it because before you know it, you’re going to be standing where we are, dreading the move-out date, and desperately making last-minute summer plans to meet up with your college friends. You’ll even be feeling sentimental about your last meal at the dining hall, as impossible as it is to admit. In the blink of an eye, you’ll go from purchasing your shower caddy to buying renters’ insurance for your sophomore home.

It won’t be long now until you listen to Mr. Dorfman’s assembly speech for the last time, until you hear Ms. Pointer’s last recycling tip, until you hear Ms. Harris’ last math lecture, and until you walk the halls of Laguna for the last time, so treasure it. Go forward and make memories at college, take lots of photos, take risks, but always know that you’ll have a place to return to.

Sincerely,

Sofia, Ada, and Dionne

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About the Contributors

Sofia Ramirez, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Co-A&E Editor

Sofia serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief and Co-Arts and Entertainment editor of The Fourth Estate. Sofia loves to express herself through her coverage of social issues. She is a senior takes great joy in studying the humanities. On her off time Sofia loves to read and emerge herself in her community through volunteer work.

Ada Green, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Co-A&E Editor

Ada is a senior and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate. During her four years with the magazine, she has found interest in writing about film, music, and war. Ada loves theater, playing music, and writing in her free time. She cares about this publication dearly and continues to be inspired by and grateful for the dedicated team who makes it come to life.

Dionne Peterson, Co-Editor-in-Chief, Art Director

Dionne Peterson is on her fourth-year of the staff at Laguna Blanca and is the Co Editor-in-Chief of the Fourth Estate. The topics that she is most passionate writing about is social injustice topics while also writing in the Arts and Culture section. She loves all types of art forms, which includes drawing, singing, and creative writing, and also plays on the Girls Varsity Golf team.