Eastern,

I don't even know where to begin. But, I guess I could start at the beginning. When I graduated high school I wasn't ready to leave home just yet. I was scared. I was from a small town, and I was terrified of the thought of you. You seemed bigger than me--bigger than what I could handle at the time. So, I started out at your regional Corbin campus, and I fell in love. The campus was small, warm, personal, and welcoming. It was well within my comfort zone. But you pushed me.

After two years at being at the Corbin campus my Broadcasting and Electronic Media major required me to move to the big campus--the Richmond campus. At this point I felt ready, though. I had already grown more as a person and wanted to see where life would take me next. And you, you were undeniably a part of that. So I made the move, and luckily I got to room with a friend that is like a sister to me.

Now this is where I'm going to get all sentimental on you and start thanking you for all the blessings you have given me during my time as your student. I have had some of my worst times while being a student here. I went through an emotionally abusive relationship, and it was so bad that I didn't even get to enjoy you at first. I felt I had to hide away. I was intimidated and I was being controlled. I didn't make many new friends my first semester. I hated you.

But now that I look back on it I realize that you gave me a place to sleep and be comforted during those nights I cried myself to sleep. You gave me memories with one of my best friends that I'll never forget; we had nights full of laughter. You kept me fed, warm, and gave me opportunities to dance and be free through EKU Dance Theatre. You also gave me a place and a community of Christians that helped guide and love me through my dark times. You are a campus open to everyone. You gave me a strong tree, sun, and gentle breeze to put me at peace when I was restless-- thank you.

After my first semester I opened up to you. I moved to one of your nicer dorms, and that made a big difference. I got rid of the one who emotionally abused me and I started taking you in. You helped me feel free again. I started enjoying walking on your campus. I love walking down the sidewalks full of trees as their leaves fall gently all around me. You are a beautiful campus. I didn't want to escape you now. I actually wanted to stay during the weekends. I was still roommates with one of my best friends, but now I had even more. Now, I had a reason to stay.

There were some crazy times with you, Eastern. Between the giant snowfalls that kept us trapped for weeks and left us having to walk through mountains of snow just to get food, and the shooting and bomb threats, it was wild ride with you. But through these times with you, you gave me an opportunity to spend all weekend having macaroni dinners and game nights with some of my best friends. You gave me an opportunity to be brave and walk campus even though we were threatened. You inspired me to be #EKUSTRONG.

I never thought I'd call you home, but here I am calling you home away from home. I've tried so many new things while being here. I've done Muay Thai kick boxing, yoga, and I've even gotten to choreograph and perform a dance in EKU's Dance Theatre spring concert that had so much meaning to my heart. I've made and starred in short films. I've learned so many new skills. You have spoiled me, Eastern. You have accommodated, rewarded, and prepared me--always. You've made me independent, self-sufficient, and hardworking.

You have given me the best times of my life. You've introduced me to some of my lifelong friends, and the love of my life. I am proud to graduate from you, but I'm more sad to leave you. You have given me a safe place to be, and all the opportunities I needed to move on and be successful. I thank the phenomenal staff, president, my professors, friends, and mentors for all their help. And, I thank the random cats that have made a home on your campus that let me have cat therapy when I needed it.

Thank you, Eastern. Thank you. I've grown the most in my life during my time as your student, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I will always carry these memories in my heart. I'll forever be a proud Colonel.

Until I see you again,

Kelsey