Dear Matt,
Congratulations on starting college in 2025! I know you’re feeling both excited and a little overwhelmed right now. You might be wondering: Does studying still matter when AI can write essays, create videos, and code better than you? Will the world even need someone like you when you graduate? It’s okay to feel that way—I did too.
Here’s what I want you to know: you don’t have to have it all figured out. Instead, start by asking yourself what truly matters to you. What’s something you can’t stop thinking about? What’s something you’d love to make better? Maybe it’s fixing slow processes at school, helping friends who are struggling to find classes, or calling out something unfair. Choose something that speaks to your heart, and start from there. Even if you don’t master it all before you graduate, you’ll gain a much deeper understanding of yourself and your journey.
Don’t worry so much about picking the perfect career right now. Focus on finding problems you’re passionate about solving—that’s what will take you further than any job title ever could.
And don’t get too hung up on what you’re majoring in. Think about what you can start doing today. Remember: college can be your playground for trying new things. Organize a talk with students from different majors, build a small AI tool, help a local café create social media videos, or set up a system to help your student group run more smoothly. You don’t need to wait until graduation to start building—these days, tools and resources are everywhere, and creating something new has never been easier. Let your curiosity guide you, and take action even when you’re unsure. You’ll learn so much just by trying.
I want you to also work on building your own perspective. AI can know everything, but it can’t tell you what truly matters to you or what kind of world you dream of creating. It’s okay if you don’t know all the answers yet. Write down your thoughts, talk about your ideas, and keep asking questions. Over time, your feelings will shape into your own voice.
And above all, embrace trying, stumbling, and growing—that’s how you’ll move forward. In a world changing this quickly, mistakes are some of the best teachers you’ll ever have. The outcome doesn’t matter nearly as much as the experience you gain. You don’t need to be amazing before you start; you just need to start—and that’s how you’ll eventually become amazing.
Take your time. Stay curious. Keep exploring. Believe in yourself, and you’ll find your own way, one step at a time.
—Your Future Self
