As I start my journey into my sophomore year in college I am excited for what lies ahead. New friends, new adventures, new me.
My first year in college was a good one, I met so many people who have forever changed my life. Whether for the good or bad, I cherish those who have walked a mile or a few footsteps with me this past year.
To those who I spent most of my time with I thank you for those memories, my first year would not have been as amazing without them. To those who have spent the most with me I thank you, because honestly, truly I was a mess.
To Nnandi,
One of the first people to speak to me. Our friendship was as fun as they get. I remember one of the first times we hung out I made you popcorn and then raced to class to at least try to make it on time. I remember the time you brought me peach rings late one night and the note you left behind while you thought I was asleep. You are genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met.
To Gabriella,
You invited me to hang out in the woods one day after class. After telling you many many times I couldn't grab lunch with you and your friends I finally decided to accept this offer. I don't know why I did this time or why I didn't agree to hang out with you before. But I thank you for continuously asking me. You're one of the closest people I have to me here on campus. The many sleepovers we've had in your room and the amount of bonding we've had has taught me that it's okay to allow people to see who you really are.
To Rachel,
You're one of the funniest people I've met in the last year, even though you don't ever say much. But when you do it's always as important as anyone who speaks ten times as much as you do. You were so open to learning about race and different social issues coming from a small town in upstate New York and I think that's what I admire about you most.
To Taylor,
You've always reminded me of my younger brothers but always acted like an older brother, something as the oldest child in a family of four I would've never experienced. An amazing artist with so many different talents.
To Andrew,
We've shared so many laughs. It's crazy to think that someone like you exist in this world. Someone who I could share so much with and not is judged. That's what I appreciate about you most. I've told you things I never imagined sharing to people I called friends. You also showed me that it's okay to just say how you feel, even if what you have to say is going to be perceived a certain way. Hardworking and talented are two words that come to mind when I think of you.
To Yasmin,
You once called me your best friend while we were on our way to Starbucks. It was a very happy moment for me. Only because the people who I thought were best friends to me never felt the same. You were always someone that I could count on when I needed advice. I've been so inspired by the things you create and what you represent as a whole. You've taught me that how people perceive you on the outside may not always be how things really are. You taught me that it's okay to be tough.
To Mariales,
You are so kind and beautiful with a heart as pure as gold. I wish I could be as friendly as you and as open as you are. So ambitious and talented. You are the embodiment of young and carefree. You tell it how it is especially when someone needs it the most. So giving to everyone around you, I'm so happy you filmed my freshmen film and I was able to let you into my home life.
These people are some of the people I spent most of freshmen year with who made me learn more about myself and the person I want to become. Some of these people may be friends for a lifetime but some of these people were only meant to walk a few footsteps in my life. And that's just fine with me.
