Talks to Freshman Girls

"Talks to Freshman Girls" by Helen Dawes Brown is a guide, published in 1914, which offers words of encouragement to young women starting their college journeys. Focused on themes of education and personal growth, the book prepares young women to embrace the challenges of higher education while stressing intellectual and social success. Brown highlights the importance of seeing education as a lifelong source of joy and empowerment. She advises them to sharpen their minds, to read widely, and to develop strong writing skills. She also speaks to what it means to live well with others by cherishing friendships and acting with honesty and integrity. The advice in the book is both useful and thought-provoking, pushing young women to chase academic success and become their best selves within a quickly changing society.