Welcome to Dear Bobcat, a podcast series from Ohio Today radio where we ask Ohio University alumni to write a letter to their freshman selves and read it on stage or in the booth.

What would you say if you could go back and give that naïve, younger you some advice, reassurance or words of warning?

2009 graduate Laurel Russell’s relationship with OHIO has had its ups and downs. In her letter, she shares what she’s learned from her journey away from Athens, and what brought her back. She read her letter live on stage at the Athena Cinema this spring.

Warning: This episode contains language some listeners may find inappropriate.

More episodes

Ep. 13: Don’t sweat it

Ep. 15: You will get through this

Ep. 16: This is real

View all

Write your own Dear Bobcat letter

Thinking about what you’d say to your freshman self? We want to hear it!

Write your own Dear Bobcat letter and email it to [email protected], or record it by calling 740-597-1000. We might just feature you on a future episode.

Before you write or call, check out these tips to get you started:

* Keep it brief: 400-500 words, or 4-5 minutes is ideal.

* Get personal. Remember, you’re writing a letter to YOURSELF, not anyone else.

* Don’t hold back! Say anything and everything your younger self would need to hear.

Dear Bobcat is produced by Ohio Today radio and recorded at WOUB studios in Athens, Ohio.