To My Alma Mater,
Funny, when I picture you I see myself full on sprinting through your halls. A reflection of how busy I was in high school? Probably. A good way to describe how quickly I rushed through those beautiful years? Most likely. A good way to describe the energy and spunk that filled that time of my life? Absolutely.
I remember all of the early morning student council meetings, the long dance practices, and all of the events that kept my planner pages [happily] overflowing. It seems like I was sprinting through your halls from 715AM-8PM every weekday for three years.
You got the best of me for those three years. I don't think I remember a more enthusiastic time in my life. I was so eager to be involved, use my voice, and make a difference - and you gave me every opportunity to do so
Flashback to yearbook picture day when I was the girl with seven different club t-shirts on who would snap a club picture, then peel off a shirt and go snap the next club picture. I found myself somewhere along the way because of how often you exposed me to inspiring people and amazing opportunities. And I loved being a student. The classes that were offered to me were taught by the most passionate people I've known-Men and Women who gave me all of the tools I need to grow my own brain and think for myself. And for that, I'm so thankful.
I was a very lucky girl to have come to college with skills and good-student qualities that some students are still trying to develop. You did that for me. I'm in college now, and I still count you in my blessings. Every day I meet people who didn't get what I did. They didn't get the push to succeed, the discipline, or the constant encouragement. 
Mostly, when I look back on my days as a high school student, I see all of the people who kept me on the right track.
My dance coach who taught me how to be poised, how to be respectful, and the importance of discipline. The eye-roll that all of her strict rules used to get is now replaced with deep appreciation. Who would have thought that the value that she placed on my reputation, appearance, and attitude would stay with me through college? How much she loved and cared for those parts of our lives spoke to me, and I still carry myself with her expectations of me in mind.
Or my biology teacher who used to rip my papers and reports to shreds, making me redo them over and over again...I would have never guessed that I would be thankful for him...but I know how to write a fairly impressive lab report because of it. Or all of the female leaders who taught me how what it means to to be a respectable role model. These women spent countless hours counseling me on how to lead with grace, teaching me leadership skills and giving me the encouragement to step up and take charge
In the most non-snooty way, I consider myself a pretty successful 21-year-old. I've held leadership roles in a wide range of organizations. I actively learn, read, write, and seek out new opportunities. I am capable of forming and maintaining healthy, professional relationships. My grades aren't struggling, I am actively pursuing my passions, and my head is only slightly crooked. But I can't give myself credit for any of that, I would have never grown into the woman I am today without you. You set me up for success, paving my path with opportunities and teaching me how to make it through the real world. So, once again, thank you.
XO
Still Cheering from the Student Section.
