Dear JMU,

I never knew how much I

would end up falling in love with you when I accepted my admission in 2013. You

taught me so much and I learned about myself in ways I never could have

imagined. You allowed me to experience things for myself and teach me

lessons in the most unexpected ways. Your sense of community gave me a bond

that I never knew existed. I now meet people in the most random of places, but

because we both go or have gone to your university we can end up talking for 20

minutes. The JMU community exudes warmth, pride, and compassion for others. I

have learned those things since starting my Madison experience. If holding a

door for someone that is probably 20 steps away doesn’t show you how much we

care for others, I really don’t know what could. JMU gave me a family of 21,000

students and I’m so grateful for that.

I’m about to enter my senior year and I couldn’t be happier with

my decision to attend JMU. When I was a senior in high school, JMU was my

second choice (pretty hard to believe now). When I visited I thought the

students were too friendly and how could someone

ever be that ‘happy’ in college??? But now I’m the one smiling as I walk

across campus in the midst of my stress just because I’m so grateful that I chose

to attend this school. It’s an experience like no other going to a school where

people hold doors for you, faculty are genuinely interested in you succeeding

and everyone truly wants the best for each other.

When I started my Madison experience, I had no idea where it

would lead me. I went in not knowing what I wanted to major in and thought I chose

the wrong school because it didn’t have the major I wanted. But I was wrong and

ended up falling into a major that I truly am obsessed with. I look forward

going to my classes and learning about subjects that were never offered in high

school. I joined organizations and stepped out my comfort zone multiple times because I

was given so many opportunities through JMU to grow and learn. I found friends

that I will keep in touch with for life. The connections I have made with

people whether it be through classes, clubs, FrOG week, parties or just anyone

that has impacted me during my time at this school, will never be

forgotten. I have made memories that I can

always look back on and smile at. When I graduate in the spring, I will feel

absolute comfort and pride in my decision to attend James Madison University. So

thank you JMU for always making me feel at home.

Sincerely,

A really sad senior