I’m a firm believer in the idea that speaking from the heart is the only way to speak. That being said, this message comes fully and entirely from my heart.

Clemson University. In the short time I’ve known you, I’ve fallen in love with you in ways I could never have imagined. From the freshly cut grass on Bowman to the polished sheet of glass above Howard’s Rock, there is beauty in every corner of you.

You have taught me more about myself than I anticipated, and for that I am thankful. I’ve learned that the people who I thought would stay in my life forever have slowly fallen out of my life, and I have shed that skin for a new one- one I love. I have left behind so many insecurities, so many negative thoughts, and so many false images to pursue the real and genuine character within myself- to pursue the me that I want to be remembered for.

Clemson, you in yourself are a massive yearbook. Every day is a new page, with a new column ready to be filled with failures and recoveries; full of lessons learned and personal growth that blooms like a flower with no winter season. Every experience I’ve had with you has been an experience to write home about, and I’m thankful for the stories you’ve given me, crazy as they may be, to carry home and share with my children… my grandchildren… even my great grandchildren. I can only pray that the love for blood that runs orange will follow me for generations to come.

As I write you this letter, I am filled with immeasurable gratitude for the many ways in which you have already shaped me-- rounded out my rough and tough edges, calmed the bitter taste in me, and built me slightly taller (or just straightened my posture in confidence). You have built a new bridge between myself and self-worth, a bridge where there was only a cavern. You have facilitated my growth, and you have let me fall back in love with myself, along with a love for the world around me.

Being on my own has taught me more than I could’ve wanted (or even asked for), but nothing compares to you, Clemson. I can only hope for even more of your lessons over my years here… I know there’s still an immeasurable amount of falls to be taken.

And I know you’ll be here, yawning your greatness, pointing to me and saying “Pick yourself up. Look...look how far you’ve come. This is you. Your life. Well done.”

As always, Go Tigers. And thank you, Clemson.