Dear Games,

I need to start off by saying thank you. All throughout my life, you have been there to help me out in my social situations. It was never hard for me to find a place to fit in because you were always there to give me an easy way to make friends. It’s not at all easy for me to just walk up to a stranger and initiate a conversation with them. By playing you with someone, I can instantly make a new friend. I join your clubs and run your sessions, and it makes me feel so very important. Thank you for being my platform of self-esteem and confidence over all of these years.

Every single one of my friends I have made due to you. Showing up with one of you and experiencing your complexities with all of my friends makes our bond of friendship all the stronger. You are the common thread between myself and the world around me, and I don’t know what I would do without you.

Even as I write this letter to you, I am having a discussion with my club about you and how much we love you. I know these feelings are not just my own. It is fascinating to me just how easily you are able to bring people of all different backgrounds together. There are no barriers when you are present - everyone is an instant friend. Games, you manage to help so many people in so many different situations. You make us laugh, and talk, and have fun together. You allow us to vent some of our anger in friendly competition. You have created a community that so many people have come to call their home -- myself included.

In short, thank you. Thank you for all that you have done for me and so many others.

We love you.

I love you.

Stay amazing,

Jessica Campitiello