As the year is winding down, I have begun to look around at the people who have impacted my life this year. My first semester of college was tough for so many reasons, the biggest of which was my social life. I so fully immersed myself in to my work and the clubs I joined that I noticed my social life was lacking. I found out for myself that the ideal college social life was not for me early on and it turned me away from a good amount of the social scene on campus. I was lost, but come second semester, I was greeted by a giant group of smiling faces and more hugs than I could count on Bid Day.
Since that day, I have seen a giant, positive shift in my mood and my personality. I no longer felt alone in the world and I no longer felt like I was missing out on something, I had the best people I could have ever asked for as my family. I have so much to thank my sisters for and I figured since it's the end of the year, I would reflect and let each and every one of them know how much they truly mean to me:
My sisters,
Since that wonderful day when I got to be yours, I have been inspired by the kindness and love you show me on a daily basis. Every time life has gotten me down, I have fallen ill, or just needed a hug you were always there to provide love, support and hugs (I. LOVE. HUGS.) no matter what. I look forward to every Sunday night because I know it means I get to see all of your smiling faces.
I've never been in such an accepting environment before. My entire life people have thought I was weird or would label me, so I always felt like I couldn't be myself in front of anyone. You all have proven that perception to be false time and time again. You all embrace my differences and have made them shine like never before. I feel like I have finally found a group of people where I can show my true identity with love, instead of judgment.
Thank you for pushing me past my limits and encouraging me to try new things every day. I would have never been so motivated to get through finials or interview for any position without the constant words of encouragement each and every one of you feed me. Even when I doubt myself and start to wonder if I'm worth the risk, you all prove to me that I am. You have shown me that I am capable of whatever I set my mind to and that no idea is a crazy idea.
There is so much more I could thank you all for but, in general, thank you all for being you. I knew the moment I set foot in that house for my meal that this was it. This is it. This is my home. You guys are my home. Through the ups and downs, trials and errors, success and failures, I will be there for you all just as you have been for me.
Love, Katie