To The University of South Carolina,
Four years ago, I stepped foot on your campus as an 18-year-old who thought she knew a lot more than she actually did. I was ready to start over in a new state over 800 miles from everyone and everything I knew. I thought that the next four years of my life would be a nonstop party; the four best years of my life. I was half right- these past four years were the best I've had, but not for the reason I originally thought.
I won't lie—USC, you have some great parties, particularly the ones before football games. I did my fair share of participating in those parties, but that's a very small reason why I love you, USC. I love you more for the people you've given me that I got to share those parties with. You've introduced me to people from across the country, people I never would have met otherwise. These people are incredibly different from me—they were raised differently, have different beliefs and interests, but I needed to experience that. Coming from a very conservative, religious place, everyone around me had similar views and beliefs. You gave me people who challenged my views, and you've opened my eyes to hundreds of different views. No, I may not agree with all of them, but I learned that I can get along with and respect others that I don't necessarily agree with, and that's an invaluable lesson.
Respecting different values and beliefs isn't the only lesson I've learned during my time on your campus. I've made some mistakes—not just little ones, but some pretty huge mistakes. I learned that I can't do everything on my own, and sometimes I need help. A lot of it. Coming to college, I thought that the time of relying on my parents for anything was over, but I was very, very, wrong. I didn't just want my parents at times—I desperately needed them. I needed my friends, too, not just for people to go out with, but for advice and another source of love and support when I made those big mistakes. Maybe it took moving 800 miles away for me to realize that asking for help is only as hard as picking up the phone and calling my family or friends, and most importantly, it's ok to ask for it.
I've learned more about myself during these last four years than I have in my entire life. I've grown up during my time in your city, and I've healed a lot from past wounds as well. I've worked with many organizations and charities in your city, USC, organizations I wouldn't have had if I had stayed close to home. Working with these different organizations, I've (finally) figured out what I want to do with the rest of my life, and I've learned that I'm happiest when I'm helping others. I've spent hundreds of hours during my time here working with homeless pets and rape survivors, and these experiences helped me decide the direction I want my life to go in. I've become more compassionate, a stronger person, and an all around happier person as well. Thank you for introducing me to these charities.
My time in Columbia has come to end. Tomorrow, I'll be packing my car and driving 14 hours home, if only for a little while. I can't help but break into a wide grin when I think of my time on your campus. Thank you for the friends you've given me, the experiences I've had, and all the many lessons you've taught me. I will forever be proud to tell others that I am a University of South Carolina alumna. I can't wait to be back one day. Until then, I will happily reflect on the photos and memories I have of my time here. Carolina really does change everything. Forever to Thee.
