When picking FGCU as my school, I picked it because of its small, close-knit feel. I never imagined the opportunities that this close-knit feel would give me. I have met so many people from so many avenues.

I made a great friend at orientation before I even came to FGCU. That friend led me to my current roommates. These girls, we are all so different, yet somehow we found this great blend. We are each able to give something to each other, whether its advice, confidence, or just a laugh, we always have each other. And, because its all a chain of people, my roommate led me to even more amazing friends. We expanded our group to her twin brother's roommates as well. Now I have this group of friends that support each other no matter what.

From clubs, I have met people from all walks of life. In competitive cheer club last year I met people who pushed me physically, who gave me the courage to try new stunts and believed that I could do any skill I put my mind to. From joining Odyssey this year, I have been given people who appreciate my creativity, push my writing, and just genuinely love the same thing I love. My sorority, that's a big one, Kappa Delta has introduced me to so many amazing ladies in such a short period of time. With Kappa Delta, everyone is so diverse that I know there will always be someone who can help me no matter what I need.

Lastly, my classes have given me friends as well. I have met people whose dedication blows me away and I aspire to be like them. I have met other people who make sure I don't take life too seriously. My classes have also given me network opportunities that I would have never had without FGCU. Being an education major, I go into a school every week and shadow a teacher. My mentor teacher has taught me so much about teaching and I will be forever grateful. She has also become a friend.

FGCU has opened my eyes to the type of people I can hang around and how I fit in with others. Because here's the deal, I have found, in some ways, I can hang with anyone because we are all connected in some way, and here, its the FGCU connection.