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
