Growing up I always knew where I wanted to go to college. With both of my parents being University of Kentucky alumni, it caused me to have an interest in the University of Kentucky and be invested in the school and the fan base from my earliest memories. My parents always asked me where I would go to college, rather than if I would go to college and that is one of the best things they ever did for me, because college is awesome. Sure, it is stressful at times and hard but I have come to the conclusion that there are few things as life-changing and eye-opening as the college experience.

Dear College,

When I first came to you I was a whirlwind of emotions: happy, excited, nervous, scared, sad, and anxious. You seemed like such a big, scary, unfamiliar place, full of faces that I did not recognize. You overwhelmed me at first with a new work load while trying to find my place and myself. At first I didn't love you, actually we had a rocky start but that was because I wasn't as welcoming of you in my life as you were to me in yours. But once I let you in, you changed my life and have shaped me for the better.

Suddenly you didn't seem as large, you grew quite small and homelike. The unfamiliar faces became friendly and I found myself missing you when I was away. You became home because you gave me a family. You gave me the people who will be my life-long friends, teams to follow, restaurants, shops and bars to explore. You made a place that was unfamiliar become one of the most important things in my life.

Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Thank you for giving me an education. Thank you for giving me the best memories of my life. Thank you for all you will continue to bring to my life over the years. You are the best and I was always be grateful of you. I love you.

xoxo,

A college student