Dear Bedroom,

For over 18 years you have been the place where I could go relax, cry, sleep, scream, laugh and everything in between. My little sanctuary where I can be away but be filled with some of my favorite things. Inside, you are filled with a bookshelf filled with some of my favorite books, a closet full of clothes, photos, along with little things I have collected over the years. You are my place to escape without escaping.

As I have grown up and changed, you have changed with me. At age five you were filled with everything from barbies and American Girl Dolls to every Beanie Baby imaginable. With your "Pooh" covered walls you made the perfect place where friends and I could escape and play "house and be anything we wanted to be. My mom tried to keep you as tidy and clean as possible, but it was difficult at times with all of my dolls accessory's. You provided me the childhood that I wouldn't change for the world.

The wallpaper was stripped down when we entered the wonderful pre-teen years. You were now the room covered with posters from Tiger Beat Magazines. Every celebrity from Selena Gomez, to the cast of High School Musical, you didn't even judge me for having a journal full of clippings of Nick Jonas. You were with me through the highs and lows of my life. During the three years of not only having to wear glasses, but a mouth full of braces as well. You were patient with me when I would spend hours trying to pick out the perfect outfit for the school dance, which always consisted of an Aeropostale shirt, jean skirt and flip-flops. Thankfully my wardrobe has progressively gotten better over the years.

Now moving onto the next four years. high school. That's right, you were with me through every bad grade meltdown, friend group drama, even the accomplishments. You were my comfort after a bad day from school, somewhere I could put on my headphones and listen to music without disruption. You were my place of refuge when I just wanted to be alone from the outside world. Don't get me wrong, you saw the good days too. With photos and memorabilia collected over the years, you were the place where I could go and remember the good moments, and the people who got me there.

You were one of the hardest goodbyes when I left for college. I felt overwhelmed when packing because I knew I couldn't take everything from you to my new room at college. On the day that I left, I felt an emptiness looking around because it didn't look the same. Yes, you were still filled with memories, but the only part missing was me. But three months later I came back, and I finally felt at home when I sat down on my bed. I looked around and for two minutes I just remember smiling taking it all in because I was finally back in my favorite place in the world.

I think at times I take for granted how lucky I am to have such a safe space I can go and escape reality. Not everyone is as fortunate as I am to have such a space that has helped me grow and be the person I am today. With that I thank you!