Forgive me if this seems scatterbrained; tonight has been a whirlwind of emotions as I stepped into The Dance Studio for my last class. I was a bit late, so I wasn't exactly focused on the details of the room. It wasn't until I directly looked into the corner when I saw the cake and balloons.

My initial thought was: "Is this for recital?" Then I saw my name, and realized that this was a goodbye. This was a surprise as my upcoming graduation draws nearer. When this dawned upon me, the dam burst and the tears flowed. This is the end of a six-year adventure. I've been dancing in this studio, with this amazing teacher (Mrs. Jenny Gutierrez) since I was eleven years old.

I grew up here, and Jenny was here as I grew from a child to a teenager to the young woman I am today. For the past six years, I've been in the studio once a week doing what I love; the realization that I won't be doing this again has hit me like a tsunami. The little party was bittersweet; I was bitter that it was my last class, but Jenny and the girls were all so sweet.

I can't even begin to think of how recital will go this weekend; it is, after all, my final one. This is the closing of a chapter in my life that I'm not quite ready to let go of.

However, we all have to face changes; we have to open new doors. For me, this means opening a door that leads to College Station, where I'll try to keep dancing, even if it's by myself. However, this has been one of my favorite chapters of my life, and I know I'll never, ever forget it.

Thank you, Jenny, for the constant reassurance, laughs, and teaching. Thank you, Hannah, for the never ending support (I missed having you dance by my side!

Finally, thank you to Allie, Kenzie, Vilay, and Olivia for dancing with me for my last year. I hope y'all spend many more years in this studio. I promise I'll be back to visit; I'm not ready to close this chapter completely.