Letter from the Social Media Manager

Dear Reader,

I would be lying to you if I said that I love the “college experience.” Last year, as a first year, was one of the darkest periods of my life. I slept sixteen hours a day, went home almost every weekend, and essentially became a shell of a person. Each morning when I would grudgingly flop over in bed at the insistent cries of my alarm, I remember just exhaustedly thinking: “okay, what’s next?” This might not seem like the healthiest coping method, but it ultimately got me through the day. 

I’ve integrated this into my life and carried it with me since. Whenever things get overwhelming—and believe me, they do—it’s served me well to, as my roommate loves to tell me, “Take a breath” and ask myself what’s next. What is the most important thing for me to do? What can I do now to help myself later? As it turns out, oftentimes the best things I could do were the little things: taking a shower, going for a walk, brushing my teeth. These little “resets” have made all the difference in my productivity and my physical and mental health. 

I joined The Wake this past fall as a social media intern, and holy smokes was I nervous. I mostly worked with the Twitter account, which was a great introduction and allowed me to learn the ropes of not only the accounts but also The Wake family, as well. Then a few weeks ago I was invited to take over as the social media manager, and I was so excited that I called my dad in tears. Almost immediately afterwards, my tears of excitement transformed into tears of anxiety. 

I was facing a big transition and had no idea where to start. 

“What’s next?”

Three weeks into the position, and I could not be happier. I am connecting more with The Wake family, have so many more ideas for the social accounts, and have a much stronger sense of roots here at the University of Minnesota. Life is overwhelming, but you are so strong. The small things are important. Take care of yourself. Remember good things are coming, you just need to make it through today. I believe in you. 

Love Always,

Makayla Hillukka

Social Media Manager