Dear Xavier University,
In two days, I'll be leaving campus. In two short weeks, I'll be graduating. After four years as a student at Xavier University, I'll finally be leaving. It's a bittersweet moment. There's nothing I want more than to move on with my life—no more worrying about classes or homework. However, there's always going to be a piece of me that misses the many wonderful things that made Xavier University not only unique, but also home.
Dear Campus,
I will never get over how beautiful you are. Spring or winter, rain or shine. It doesn't matter because, somehow, you still managed to impress me. I wish I had been able to take more walks or explore more of your hidden secrets while I was a student, but I will never forget the experiences I did have. You are small, but mighty.
Dear Library,
Thank you for being there when all I wanted to do was procrastinate on writing papers or studying for tests or applying for jobs. I'll never forget my 4 a.m. study sessions or the times I learned that I actually enjoy vending machine coffee. Aside from the couple times I hunkered down in the back to watch "Parks and Recreation," you provided me with a great environment to get stuff done.
Dear Parking,
I won't miss you. Good riddance.
Dear Cafeteria,
Even though you weren't the best, you were not the worst by far. Thank you for always having something edible, even if it was just a chicken sandwich. Thank you for letting me take refuge at at one of your booths as I habitually nommed on fries (skinny, curly or waffle—I don't discriminate), scrolled through Tumblr and hid from those I didn't want to find me. Also, thank you for s'mores bars. Seriously, God bless you.
Dear Apartment,
Thank you for giving me a kitchen in which to explore my culinary side, while still be located close enough to other food sources for when I'm feeling lazy. Thank you for a common room full of great memories fueled with food and laughter. thank you amazingly comfortable—albeit worn-out—furniture. Thank you for allowing me to live with such great roommates that didn't judge me for singing in the shower or dancing in the kitchen or my occasional nonsensical noises.
Dear Bedroom,
I may not ever forgive you for the unnecessarily tiny bed or thin walls or even the broken closet door, but I'll never forget you for the good things, either. Your walls have witnessed tears and anger and laughter. You know better than anyone else about my insane Netflix binges (whole seasons in one day—no shame), furious paper writing when I procrastinated just a little too long, my obsession with certain songs that I would listen to all day on repeat and how I grew as an individual throughout the year. You were often my sanctuary and you will be missed.
Dear Classes,
I am so done. I mentally checked out months ago, and there are very few things about you that I will miss. I love learning, and I'll definitely miss several professors, but I won't miss the busy work. I won't miss the rooms that were unbearably hot one day and freezing the next. I will miss my friends that I bonded with because we had the same major and understood each other's pain. I won't miss relying on an entire group for my grade. Even though I can't wait to be done with school and I'm happy to no longer have to worry about homework, I had some great classes and professors.
Dear Xavier University,
As I finish my classes, study for my finals and prepare myself for graduation, I look back at my time spent as an undergrad student. Something causes me to feel a deep sense of sadness at the prospect of leaving and never coming back. This isn't a "see you in the fall" sort of thing—this is the real deal. Soon, you will only be a memory. Eventually, I'll forget what campus smells like in April, what my apartment address is and what professor taught what class.The only thing that I can do now is enjoy the little time that I have left. Maybe I'll take that walk across campus. May I'll study for the last time in the library. Maybe I'll watch the newest "Once Upon a Time" episode in my bed for the last time.
Xavier University, thank you for all you did for me. Thank you for having a beautiful campus. Thank you for having challenging classes that forced me to learn and do my best. Thank you for providing me a safe haven for four years. Thank you for introducing me to great friends that I hope to never lose touch with.
Thank you for the good times and the bad, Xavier. It's been real.