Dear Keystone,

My story on your campus began the end of my junior year of high school. My dad and I were looking at colleges and universities for me to go to pursue higher education. I had my mind set on going to a big school with a good biology program that could get me close to the career I wanted. My dad was the one who told me about you and my going to the open house where I fell in love with your campus was his idea. During the open house I walked the tour route and could see myself walking to and from class, eating in the dining hall, and studying in the library. Right then I felt like I could belong there. The sense of family I felt was what won me over at that open house.

A few short months later, I applied to Keystone at the October open house as an instant decision day. That day I met who became one of my best friends, not just in college, but the world. She was a tour guide that was told to stand with my dad and I as I filled out the application. The whole time she was talking to my dad asking him all sorts of questions and as a joke asked to marry me. My dad half asleep and not paying attention said yes and ever since it became a joke between her and I. I applied that day and got accepted. When they told me the good news I almost cried because my dream of going to college was finally becoming reality.

In the months that followed I graduated high school with honors, got my first job, and excitedly awaited the day to move in and start my freshman year of college at what was going to become my second home.

When move in day finally came I was so excited! I got up really early and put on my Keystone shirt and my lanyard. When we got there I was practically hopping up and down in line for my books, keys, and post office address. I got all unpacked and my dorm set up with the help of my mom.

The first semester saw a lot of changes for me. I moved dorm halls due to roommate problems, I made a lot of good friends, I became secretary of one of your great clubs, and I fell in love with the cupcakes in the dining hall. I struggled with the stress that I put on myself to be the best at everything. Howver, thanks to the great people I met, I was better knowing I wasn't alone. My first semester ended with a bang I accomplished all the goals I set and couldn't wait for the spring semester.

The spring semester of my freshman year was very hard for me. I had a lot going on and that distracted me. Since I was distracted it reflected in my school work, causing me to feel like I was failing myself. There were nights where I would literally be curled in a ball crying on the floor across from my SRA feeling like I was going to be crushed by the weight of my problems. Thanks to the encouragement from my SRA and the support of my friends I often got back up and tried again. Thanks to that I became the Vice President of the club I was only secretary of, I came up with the theme for an event of another club, and wasn't as afraid to try for things I wanted. The end of that semester was seasoned with excitement and worry. Worry because my senior friends were leaving and the fact of my sophomore year being right around the corner. Excitement because I couldn't wait to see to see where my story at keystone would go!

As the first week of my sophomore year comes to a close I wanted to say thank you Keystone. Your campus has become my second home and I don't know where I would be if my dad never took me to that open house. I fell in love with your back campus, your field biology courses, and the sense that I belong here. Thank you for taking a chance on the overly excited girl with the wide eyes eager to impress.

Can't wait to see where my story goes from here!

Love,

Jasmine