I still can't believe I've been at Seton Hill for four years. It seems like just yesterday that I was driving up the hill for the first time with my mom, looking at the gorgeous trees on that perfect June day, and thinking to myself, “This is it. This will be home.”

I came to SHU not knowing a single person because that’s what I wanted. I wanted to force myself out of my comfort zone and make myself a better person. So, when I finally moved into my room in Brownlee, I was beyond nervous. What if people didn’t like me? What if I didn’t find any friends? Will I hate it here? Will I pass my classes? I began doubting myself at the beginning, but I was already there, so I had to make the most of it.

Then, an amazing thing happened. That exact day I ended up meeting one of my best friends at SHU because I was wearing a belt from an anime that we both enjoyed. And slowly, but surely, I somehow befriended more people.

To the friends who have been with me from the beginning, back in 2012 when we were sweet baby freshmen ourselves: We made it. It’s been amazing to see how we’ve all changed in the past few years. Now, with so little time left together, let’s celebrate and remember the good times we all had on the Hill. We complained about a lot, but for me, the Hill serves as a reminder of the place where I finally felt like I belonged, and you are a part of what made SHU feel like home for me.

To the friends who graduated before me: It’s unfair that you left me before I got to spend more time with you. Still, it was also thanks to you guys that I was able to find my own place at SHU. You paved the way for me and for so many other students. Soon, I’ll be joining you all in the world of being a real adult, which is a scary, but exciting thought.

To the friends I’ve found along the way: I wish I could go up to each and every one of you and tell you how much you mean to me. Whether you came in as a student new to the whole college thing, or if you came as a transfer, you have been a blessing in my life. Whether we met when I was a sophomore, or just this year, I wish we had more time to spend together. I wish you were with me from the very beginning. I know I’ll treasure our time together, no matter how short-lived it may have been.

To my boyfriend: There’s no way I can get through this without mentioning you. Even though we’ve had less than a year together, I’ve loved every moment of it. You’ve seen me at some of my worst moments, and you’ve stuck by me when I’ve been an unreasonable human being. I never thought I’d find someone as genuinely sweet and kind as you. I love you so much and I’m going to miss seeing your handsome, adorable face all of the time.

To my sweet Brownlee residents: It has been a privilege getting to know all of you. Thank you for making Brownlee second floor the best floor ever. I’m sad that I won’t get to see all of you more often, and it feels like a crime that I only got to spend a year with all of you. However, I know you’ll all do well in your future endeavors.

To everyone who has made my time at SHU memorable: Thank you for impacting my life. Whether or not you realized it, if I have interacted with you at all, there’s a good chance you have made an impact on me in some way. Friends, loved ones, acquaintances, classmates—it has been wonderful to spend so much time with all of you.

And now, my dear friends, it’s been a blast. Four years later, and I have a trove of memories to hold dear and more friends than I could have imagined. Whether I met you this year, or if you met me from the day I stepped onto this campus, I have one thing to say:

Thank you.

Thank you for sticking by me through my turbulent life and for never leaving my side, even when I was being ridiculous. Thank you for being such a big part of my life. Thank you for being the light at the end of my tunnel, the stars in my night sky and the warm sun on my face. In less than a month, I’ll be graduated and gone. And while I’m going to miss all of you more than words can express, I need you all to do me one favor.

Take a moment, right now even, to think about your time at SHU. Even if you’re a senior, pause for a second and remember at least one memory you’ll want to keep for the rest of your life. Whether it’s a class, or a moment with friends or the time you first felt accepted, remember a good time. When you graduate, you won’t be remembering all of the little annoyances that occur day to day. You’ll be thinking about the great memories you made with people and in the classes you enjoyed.

Four years goes by in a flash. While I will be glad to not owe SHU any more money, it’s a bittersweet taste. The majority of my friends are here and it will be sad to not see everyone on a regular basis. But, I know we’ll stay in touch. You guys have been such a huge part of my life, I’m not about to take your friendships for granted.

Hazard, yet forward, my friends.