Intro Letter
9.9.19
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Dear Ms. Barnidge,
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We live in a world of technology; most of us have answers in the palm of our hand. On our phones, we can find out about anything or anyone by simply searching Google. So, have you ever Googled yourself? Seems like a silly question, but I encourage you to try it and see how you feel when the results appear. See if the results match the reputation you believe you have, or at least would like to have, because anyone can Google you. Rich Matta, CEO of ReputationDefender says, “Pay extra attention to the first page of your results, as this is the first impression that your personal and professional contacts will see, and 90 percent of users do not bother to look any further.” In this day and age, your online brand matters.
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I’m Sydney Helgeson, but unfortunately, that probably doesn’t mean much to you yet. Living in Bismarck, North Dakota my whole life, I created a name for myself, a reputation. I was known at school, by teachers, students, and administration. Being involved was important to me which included the A honor roll, one of 47 valedictorians, homecoming court, co-captain of the varsity girl’s tennis team, vice president of key club, a member of choir, jazz choir, student council, and that’s just a fraction of my high-school career. I tried to be very well-rounded in high school, but I wasn’t just known at school. I was known in the community. I served my community and state as Miss State Capitol’s Outstanding Teen 2016, Miss Bismarck’s Outstanding Teen 2017, and Miss North Dakota’s Outstanding Teen 2017, even representing North Dakota
at the Miss America’s Outstanding
Teen Competition. Each title was
an opportunity to get out in the
community, network, and
volunteer over 100 hours every
year with numerous
organizations, like Special
Olympics, while also spreading
awareness and educating
about my personal platform,
Texting & Driving: It Can Wait.
Technology is also very
prominent in this generation,
and I was recently seen by many
on the internet and social media.
This past May, I rewrote the lyrics and sang my graduation speech to the tune of Lady Gaga’s “Shallow.” My story went viral, being shared on many different local and national news platforms, including Good Morning America. I’ve put in the work to get my name out there and I’ve gotten lucky.
Everything that was created at home doesn’t exist here, and that is hard for me. I hate that you can’t see who I really am and what I have done in my life. I might just be some girl from North Dakota, but I loved who I was there, and the reputation I had built. I’ve just moved across the country, and nobody knows me here. I hadn’t thought about how being anonymous would feel before arriving. I’m lucky if the person sitting next to me in class remembers my name. I must start from scratch, rebuild my resume, or brand, if you will. I am ready to take on the challenge.
Everything that was created at home doesn’t exist here, and that is hard for me. I hate that you can’t see who I really am and what I have done in my life. I might just be some girl from North Dakota, but I loved who I was there, and the reputation I had built. I’ve just moved across the country, and nobody knows me here. I hadn’t thought about how being anonymous would feel before arriving. I’m lucky if
the person sitting next to me in class remembers my name. I must start from scratch, rebuild my resume, or brand, if you will. I am ready to take on the challenge.
I guess you could say that’s a goal of mine, to create a new image of myself, maybe even better than it was before, because I don’t just want to be known in Bismarck, North Dakota. I want the world to know my name. I want to matter and
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As for this class and my writing, well, it will contribute to my success and help me reach my future goals. I wouldn’t consider myself an amazing writer, but if I’m being honest, I didn’t even think I would be here; I took AP English Lit last year but didn’t pass my exam. But, no worries, I’m optimistic. It’s only my first semester of college, and I know I have a lot to learn. Writing sure isn’t going away anytime soon, and this is an opportunity to not only grow as a writer, but as a student and a person. Being a better writer will also help me to better share my voice and my perspective. These skills will help me to make a difference. I’m only 18 years old, but when I Google my name, I like what I see. I am looking forward to putting in the work to see the results multiply and grow over the next four years at the University of Alabama. So, next time you decide to Google yourself, try Googling me too.
Sincerely your student,
Sydney Helgeson
do big things for others, and I am confident that I can.
"I want the world to know my name. I want to matter and do big things for others, and I am confident that I can."