As a graduating senior, it's getting pretty normal to look around every day and notice that my final days at my university are coming to an end. The university that has allowed me to grow up, find myself, and has given me so many memories will soon be a part of my past. If you told me in high school that I would be living in Evansville, I would have probably laughed in your face. I never expected myself to wind up here, but I am sure glad that I did.
Thank you to my college town for helping me grow.
Over these past four years, I have become accustomed to your street festivals, nightlife, and people. I have found my favorite church, I know where to find the best Mexican food, and I am able to navigate the town without getting lost. This city will always be my second hometown. I know that I complained about you a little more than I should have, and I'm sorry.
To be honest, I would not have wanted to go to college in any other town. My experience would not have been the same if I had gone anywhere else. It has been so nice to feel so comfortable in a city other than my hometown.
I'm not sure where life is going to take me next or what city I will end up in, but I do know that this town will always have a special place in my heart. My university will always have a special place in my heart. It is where I have found my best friends over the past four years. Thanks to them and all of our great memories around this city, I will always remember it fondly.
Here is a big shout out to the city of Evansville, Indiana for providing me with a superb education and with unforgettable memories that I was able to make around town. I'll never forget hockey games at the Ford Center, Zuki Wednesdays (RIP) with my friends, going to Denny's after a night out, fall festival, begging my boyfriend to go to the Cross Eyed Cricket even though it looks sketchy, causing mischief on weekends my freshman year, going to the mall when there wasn't anything going on, my countless hours spent in Rice Library until the wee hours in the morning, walking on the Riverwalk, visiting UE on some weekends, and many others. I probably won't miss the Lloyd at all though--sorry Evansville.
Most importantly, thank you to the people who make this city so great. Any time I wander off campus, a majority of people that live in this city are extremely kind. No matter the interaction we have had, big or small--you will always be a part of me and I am glad to have met you.
For those that still have a lot of school to go or who just started--complain less. Live life to the max while you are able to. Never complain about living in a "boring" city with nothing to do. If you surround yourself with the right people there is always something to do. Force yourself to get out of your room and do something even when you don't want to. Surround yourself with your friends because one day these days are going to come to an end and people are going to go their separate ways. Always tell someone how you feel and do not hold back. Take that chance because life is better when you try than if you never tried at all.
Four years in this town has flown by faster than I would have ever imagined. To the class of 2016, here is to the end of this chapter and to where we have spent the best four years of our lives. May we never forget.
