During my first year as an undergrad at UW-Madison I frequently wrote letters to my family (in Israel and scattered across the US), in which I reflected upon my experiences. I think it might be fun to read them now, almost four years later, and see what came true, what didn't, what I regret, and what I'm proud of. "As most of you probably know, my mother used to write “Dear Grandpa” letters, which she sent out to a very large number of friends and relatives, describing our lives in Israel. When I was young I didn’t quite understand why she did it, but now that I’m the one who’s apart from my family, I can appreciate the need for such letters, and well, the convenience of being able to let everyone know what’s going on in my life at the same time. I don’t come close to having the descriptive and colorful language my mother has, but I’ll try my best to at least convey the facts about my new life here in Madison. I also lack the persistence needed to maintain an ongoing pr