To my alma mater,
I stumbled upon your beauty when I was in high school. I appreciated your landscape and valued your sense of community. I acknowledged your worth but did not want to begin my college career on your campus.
I wanted to go to a bigger school with a larger class size and maybe even Greek life. I wanted to meet new people and explore new areas. I wanted to live on campus and not be too close to home. But, at the same time, I was scared. I was 18 years old and I was not sure if I was ready to dive into deep water yet. I needed a more shallow pool to swim in, one that made me feel like I was a valuable part of something.
When you reached out and expressed your interest in me, I thought “Hmm… Keystone may be the place.” It was your welcoming Admissions staff that really sealed the deal. They instilled your commitment to the “Keystone Family” in me from my initial application. I appreciated being able to speak to a person who knew not just the name on my application, but what I was interested in and what I wanted to experience in college. When I chatted on the phone with the Financial Aid and Student Business Services offices, they didn’t make me feel like I was being a burden. Everyone on campus seemed to understand that new students will have questions and need guidance. This made the transition from high school to college so much easier.
During my years at Keystone I attended classes, of course, but I also learned outside of the classroom. I lived in your residence halls, attended campus events and worked in the well-oiled machines you call the Offices of Student Activities, Admissions and Residence Life. Your staff empowered me to get involved, make the most of every experience and never take an opportunity for granted. Your faculty taught me to learn from my mistakes, ask for help if I need it and trust my gut instinct.
I do not know who I would be if it wasn’t for you, KC. Without you, I would not have had the opportunity to work and intern both on and off campus, growing my portfolio and resume. Without you, I would not have a network of incredible faculty, staff, mentors and friends that I can turn to for advice and guidance. Without you Keystone, I would not have a quality education which landed me a job at a place that I love.
Keystone College, I love you with my whole heart. You may drive me crazy sometimes but every family is a little dysfunctional, right? I hate that it takes me 20 or more minutes to get the supermarket and I cannot stand that oftentimes the finest campus events are not the best attended. I wish my office had a private restroom but I love that I get to walk into work and see faces that helped mold me into the adult I am today. I love that you gave me the opportunity to work within your walls after I graduated and empower me to be the best that I can be.
Keystone College, despite your infrequent dysfunction, I would say you are doing quite alright and I love you nonetheless. We are Keystone Strong and family forever.
Lovingly,
The Girl in the Green Office
