Dear Younger Me

As part of Purdue’s national partnership with Sunnie — the Gen Z media platform created by Hello Sunshine — we sought to create content that moved beyond inspiration and into something deeply personal.
During our Sunnie shoot, each Purdue student participant was invited to write and read a letter to her younger self. What emerged was the “Dear Younger Me” video series — a social-first storytelling series capturing honest reflections on doubt, growth, resilience and ambition.
The concept was simple. The impact was powerful.
Through these letters, young women in STEM shared the lessons they wish they had known earlier: that curiosity is strength, that setbacks are part of progress and that they belong in spaces where they may not always see themselves represented. The series illuminated the emotional journey behind academic success and positioned Purdue as a place where that growth is nurtured.
Designed specifically for Gen Z audiences, the videos were intimate, direct and highly relatable. Shot within the broader Sunnie creative framework, the content bridged storytelling and representation — reinforcing Purdue’s commitment to empowering the next generation of women in STEM.
The takeaway was clear: the journey of self-discovery is filled with lessons — and every step forward matters.
The series generated 141,526 organic social media impressions and 1,755 engagements — all driven organically without paid support — underscoring how strongly the content resonated with its intended audience. More importantly, it created meaningful connection, showing young women not just what is possible, but how growth unfolds along the way.