To my Most Valuable Player, my liver.

I wanted to write this as a forward-thinking apology, a preemptive nod toward what's ahead. It is spring term—the most joyous of all Corvallis seasons—and the warm weather and unyielding sunshine has come on sweet and strong, provoking beers on the porch on Tuesday afternoons and Friday afternoons day fades.

As the term continues and the days get warmer and longer, more days will be spent among crowds of other students sipping cold and cheap beer and perfecting my beer pong game. Countless mid-mornings and happy hours will be spent on the patio of The Downward Dog, soaking up some rays and enjoying the delicious and dangerous flavors of tropical drinks.

In May, I'll make the drive down south, with thousands of other Beavers, to Lake Shasta, CA. for the best weekend of the year. I'll spend three days drinking beer and doing other things that I shouldn't mention in written form. I'll get very little sleep, too much sun, not enough water, and too much bad food, and create some of my favorite memories.

And in June, when I finally graduate and prepare to leave my beloved school, I'll celebrate harder and greater than I ever have, with all of my loved ones who have been standing by my side and rooting for me the whole time. I'll release all of my stress and pent-up school frustrations, all of my fears and reservations about the future, and celebrate my success and my triumphs.

My dear liver, I want to apologize ahead of time, for all that you will be going through. I apologize for all of the liquor that you will have to filter and all of the ibuprofen I will take to beat the hangover. But I also want to thank you for all that you will be doing for me. You've been quite the little soldier these last few years and you've proved how wonderfully valuable you are.

So here's to you, liver. College would never have been the same without you, and I have you to thank for all the wonderful things I have to look back on, all of the people I've met, and all of the friendships I've made. You're the real MVP.

Cheers!