Moving halfway across the country is a scary thought, and doing it alone is even scarier. But late last summer, I took a chance which was the best decision of my life. This transition was made easier due to advice given by those who know me best. As my parents have always told me, the people that you meet shape who you become in the future. Little did I know, I would be meeting some of the people who would change my life over the course of just a few months. Just one year changes people because of the sacrifices and hardships we go through, and different situations that test our strengths to overcome those issues. When I met you guys, I had no idea that we would be experiencing life together and slowly becoming the best versions of ourselves. Without the continuous support of each and every one of you and the endless nights staying up until we couldn’t keep our eyes open, I would be nowhere near as happy as I am today.

Freshman year is a major exam testing all of the ways that you can overcome difficulties and move on the best way possible, and you guys helped me do that by encouraging me and keeping all of us positive. Whenever one of us was close to somewhat giving up, there was always a bit of hope from someone in our group to keep on going. Thank you all for teaching me to always try to see the best in everyone you meet no matter how difficult it is to see the good over the bad. No matter where we go in life, I will always take the experiences with me that we all went through together no matter how great or difficult they were. Leaving this year will be scary because coming here was nerve racking as well, but I’ll always remember how easy it was to call you guys family and never look back.

Thank you,

Your friend that became family