Dear Hessa,
How has life been treating you? I hope you and your family have been well! In this letter, I wrote about some random things I remember and appreciate about you! Recalling everything and writing them out is kind of therapeutic in a way. It helps me find some sort of closure to our college days, seeing as how abrupt and strange it ended because of COVID-19. I did hope I could write this letter by hand and give it to you in person, but seeing how things are going, I’m not sure if we’ll have a graduation party any time soon. Nevertheless, I hope we get to meet sometime in the future and see how we’ve grown as people!
My very first memory of you:
I remember how you liked sitting in the front row during classes. One memory in particular was during reading class with Dr. Hind Alotaibi. I messaged you while you were in front of me, and you turned around and gave me a smile. That was really extremely cute.
My most favorite thing about you:
I love how you're so encouraging to others. You're not afraid to throw compliments, and you give others a lot of positive energy! I LOVE your sense of humor, and how despite your goofiness, you have such an intelligent side with a love for complicated and fascinating topics. You also have the skill to convince people, which I admire.
Something that reminds me of you:
Whenever I read a debate about Islam on YouTube, I remember you. The show Mindhunter also reminds me of you. Moreover, when I think of great interpreters, you're among those who always pop in my head.
Something about you that makes me proud:
When you manage to interpret things on the spot, I feel overwhelmingly proud and honored I even got to know such a skilled person. You’re truly amazing!
A few ways that we're radically different:
I can't ever think of public speaking as enjoyable as you do. I hope in the future I can gain the same kind of confidence you have!
A song that I'd think you like:
My Way by Frank Sinatra
Where I see you being in 20 years:
An independent and successful woman who takes no shit from others. You'll be even more of a badass, and you'll get to do what you enjoy.
Send them words of bravery in an area of their life that they might be fearful:
I, with regret, don't know you enough to know what you might be worried or insecure about. However, there is something that has always been on my mind about you, but I have no idea if it holds any truth to it. I'd say that I hope you're not afraid to let your true emotions show, and tell others what bothers you in times of weakness or sadness. You, to me, just seem to be the type who would cover everything up with laughter. Although that isn't bad per say, there still needs to be an outlet and not everything should be bottled up. Ignore this if I completely read you wrong, because I really have no basis of this and it's merely my impression of you.
A shower of gratitude:
Thank you for always being so nice to me and cheering me on. The way that you kept complimenting me and saying I’m cool?? Like, fuck, stop making me feel so good when I literally do nothing but stand there. Thank you for playing Resident Evil 7 with me and Norah. We had to repeat the game all over because we lost our save file, but you being there made it fun all over again. Also, you helped turn a horrible day into a great one for me during a Japanese/anime event. You sat by me and helped me cut a bunch of papers, and even brought a marker for me to write with. I can not express how MUCH I appreciated that. Thank you.
One deep dark secret that you don't know about:
Not really a deep dark secret, but I want to give you a biiiggg hug. Despite wanting to get to know you more better, I somehow never knew how to start. It’s a bummer that our free time never aligned in the end.
Though it has been short, thank you for everything during these past years! May your future be filled with happiness, success, and good health. With lots of love, Areej Aldosary