We are officially exactly a week from finishing this year and I cannot believe it. There is one person who deserves a special, heartfelt thank you. My favorite RA; Matt Byron. Just kidding!

Veronica, you made this year so unforgettable! Seriously, you are such a STAR.

I remember move-in day, and my first interaction with you. I remember asking how to lower my bed because it was lofted to the ceiling, and you smiled sweetly and said to round up some friends to help lower it.

I remember the first floor meeting where you explained that we are living in the Garden Level, not the basement of Pacelli. I remember how you asked us to play icebreaker games, but we all refused. I remember how you made me a cute sign for my birthday and gave me a bag of candy, even though we did not know each other yet since it was the first week of school. I remember being so extremely nervous about everything having to do with JCU, but you were always there smiling, offering candy, and making tea.

As the year progressed, so did our friendship. We had game nights and started hanging out in the duty office on Monday nights since you were on duty. We began our classic Taco Bell runs and saw Finding Neverland at PlayHouse. We took trips to Coventry for food and shopping as well as our trip to Legacy Village for Christmas shopping. These little outings made this year so fun, and the car rides to these activities filled the year with some great jams.

In addition to these lovely outings, you always made me feel special. When it was opening night of my first college performance you decorated my door with signs and stars, along with a heartfelt note about my ability to hang drapes. When my second show came around, you gave me another comical letter and a doughnut to demonstrate your excitement about seeing me perform! Also, let’s not forget that time you casted me in your show for directing class, and I got to play such a scandalous character.

Not only do you support my theatre endeavours, you support all my other passions too! You were so proud when I started working for The Carroll News, and you post all my articles on your “Proud Mom” bulletin in the hall with my name highlighted. Today, you hung up another article I wrote and got so excited that my article made the front page! You also gave me the biggest hug when I told you I am Campus Editor for next year.

I cannot possibly write out all of the experiences and jokes we have had over this year, but I hope you know just how much you have impacted my life. You are the sweetest, most caring girl out there.

I am really sad that you are graduating this year, so we won’t be at JCU together anymore. But hey, come to Parma sometime! Everyone knows you want to visit!