As freshman year is coming to a close, we must stop to thank and remember the places that have housed us for the past nine months. They've witnessed the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. These buildings have seen it all. As much as I can thank my dorm for providing a bed and a roof over my head, there are a few words I must say as I depart.

First and foremost, goodbye to the community showers. Goodbye to the random strands of hair that have stayed on the walls for the past three months. Goodbye to the half-ripped shower curtain that barely closes. Goodbye to the low water pressure and the rapidly changing water temperature. Goodbye to the nasty shower caddy that has touched God knows what. And, GOODBYE to the super trendy shower shoes that kept my feet safe from unknown substances (and probably some sketch diseases, too!). As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the community showers, I will not miss them. I look forward to being able to get all of the shampoo out of my hair and not being burned or frozen to death during my showers.

Goodbye to the layer of dust that blankets every single item in my dorm room. Dust, good job on making your presence known in my dorm room this year! You framed our door, you covered our desk, and you made everything almost impossible to use without washing it first. I know we tried desperately to get rid of you at the beginning, but you just got so attached to all of our things (as well as our sinuses). We couldn't handle you making us sick, but then, we just kind of embraced you because we realized you weren't going anywhere. And as we move out, we can see where you've gathered all this time. You're disgusting.

Goodbye to the trash cans that have greeted us every morning for the past nine months. You smell of leftover dining hall food and spoiled milk. No matter how many times we tried to spray you with vanilla Febreeze, you kept doing you. Next year, try doing you somewhere else.

Goodbye to the community toilets. I'm not really sure where all these people that don't know how to flush came from, but I'm not going to miss y'all. I will not miss broken toilets, other weird substances, and stalls that don't lock. Also, S/O to the colony of tiny flies that have made their home in the dorm as well. AND GOODBYE TO THE ONE PLY TOILET PAPER AMIRIGHT?

Goodbye to the 13 x 12 shared space. At some points, you were disorganized, crowded, and dirty. But, you also hold some fun memories and new experiences. From killing giant bugs to watching ridiculous amounts of 19 Kids and Counting, you have provided quite the space for endless amounts of laughter and friendship.

Goodbye to noisy halls. Goodbye to the key card swipe never working on the first try. Goodbye to the awkward set ups and activities with the opposite sex dorm. Goodbye to the awkwardness of having to walk to the bathroom in a robe. Goodbye to my room, which sits at probably fifty degrees ALL THE TIME. Goodbye to the people who don't understand the meaning of 'Quiet Study Area'. Goodbye to the yummy snacks often provided in the lobby. Goodbye to the room checks, the no candles, and no extension cords. Goodbye to having to park far away from the dorm itself.

But most of all, goodbye to the memories and the friends I've made while living in the dusty, smelly, but mostly fun, college dorm. I could have chickened out and made different living arrangements, but I took the challenge and got the full freshman year experience. I will miss the easy ability of walking down the hall if you needed medicine, a new outfit, or wanted to just say, "Hey." I will miss spending hours in the study lounge with my best friends. I will miss sharing a room with people who truly encourage and love those around them. We made it through this year together. We encountered gross things, fun things, and new things. Although it was scary at first, we pushed through and made memories that will last a lifetime. I have been truly blessed to experience these fun and exciting times amongst my new, sweet friends. No matter how much I complained about the showers or the dust, I'm so thankful I could share these fun experiences with some of the best people around.

Thanks Ruth, ya rock. You can update yourself in a few years, just don't change too much!