When you step on to the campus of your chosen college for the first time, you wonder where you will be when you are nearing graduation. You spend your time meeting new people, joining clubs, going to class, partying on the weekends; struggling to find a place where you belong with people whom you want to spend all of your time. For me, it did not come easy.

I spent my freshman year just having quit softball, missing my boyfriend at the time and stuck with thoughts of wishing I was back in high school. I went back and forth with thoughts of transferring, but in the end decided to give it another shot. Sophomore year came around and I refused to let myself fall into the same state. I decided to audition for my school’s dance team on a whim. I hadn’t formally danced in three years but thought I could get back into it. Little did I know, the decision I made would shape not only the rest of my college career, but the rest of my life.

To my dance team, thank you.

Thank you for accepting me.

Our team is made up of so many personalities, sometimes conflicting, but that has never mattered. I never once feel that I cannot be myself or feel the need to second guess my beliefs. Everyone meshes so well together–despite our differences–and that is what makes us a team.

Thank you for your talent.

All of our skill levels may vary, but together we are unstoppable. We work incredibly well together and that is never overlooked.

Thank you for the deodorant.

I don’t even need to explain this one.

Thank you for helping me stretch.

Sometimes you just need that friend to pull your leg over your head to make sure your kicks are at the level they should be.

Thank you for your compassion.

When one of us feels down or is having a bad day, we are there for one another no matter what. We have all experienced break ups and roommate problems with the comfort of leaning on one another. We are each other’s shoulders to cry on and we all know how important that is.

Thank you for the criticism.

People make mistakes, especially dancers. With how much choreography we are expected to remember, it happens. If we did not tell each other what we are doing wrong, the performance would not be as strong. It is all constructive and given with the intentions of improvement and reaching our full potential. Without it, we would crumble.

Thank you for yelling out counts.

Obnoxiously yelling 5, 6, 7, 8 is just necessary sometimes and that is OK.

Thank you for access to your closets.

Girls borrow other girls’ clothes; it happens every weekend without fail. When I panic about what to wear out that night, I know I can run downstairs or across the hall to borrow a jacket or shirt with comfort. Even lending a pair of sweatpants the next morning for a quick trip to Sheetz is a huge help, so thanks.

Finally,

Thank you for being my best friends.

This team has given me the people whom when I look back on my college years, I will think of immediately. I will most likely even be with you when looking back. I have been a part of this amazing family for three years and after graduation it will be so hard not seeing you all every night at practice. You have seen me at my best and my worst. I love you all so much and am grateful for the impact you have had on my life.