Three weeks. Three weeks is all it took for me to feel one hundred percent certain that choosing to spend the next four years of my life at Mississippi State is the best decision I have ever made. Although my college is not picture-perfect by any means, I already owe this university more than I will ever be able to repay.

Dear Mississippi State University,

Where do I even begin? I suppose my arrival on campus would be the most logical place to start. My transition to college life was swift, yet comfortable. You welcomed me in with open arms on a warm sunny day in early August as your smiling upperclassmen met me at my car and swiftly carried all my belongings to my room. My selection as a candidate for New Maroon Camp not only afforded me the opportunity to make my landing four days prior to the scheduled freshman move-in day, but it allowed me to bond with other incoming freshman and upperclassmen who invested in me. I learned so much about your history and what makes you such a special place. I fell in love with you two weeks before classes even started. Little did I know my love for you would only grow stronger in the next two weeks.

Classes began, and your teachers created an exciting learning environment for me and my classmates. Walking the sidewalks to class was so much more refreshing than meandering through the stale, crowded hallways of high school. Your nighttime activities kept me busy the first two weeks socializing with other students who were equally as excited to live on your campus.

Then, on a normal Thursday morning in a routine nine o’clock class, your well-being was threatened. A misguided freshman made a troubling decision that would rock your world for a day. A perceived threat was made to the safety of your beloved students and your official policies kicked in. Maroon Alerts were sent as promised, information was relayed promptly, and faculty reacted as trained. As students screamed, cried, and called home to their loved ones, your staff and campus police worked diligently to ensure my safety. You protected me. You held me tight while your administrators and professors calmed me down and ensured me I would be safe.

So, thank you. Thank you, Mississippi State, for educating me, protecting me, and loving me. Please don’t ever stop. I love you too.

Sincerely,

Emma Bond