To my Support System,

I know you don’t hear this nearly enough, but I wanted to thank you all for the enormous impact you had in making my freshman year one of happiness, exploration and low dosages of anti-anxiety medication. While I might brag about my GPA and think that I survived all on my own, I really could not have done half of what I set out to do without all your love, 5 a.m. phone calls and a little push to the finish line.

To my parents:

For starters yes, I know I should have called more because I wouldn’t be here without you. I mean, giving birth to me was pretty cool, but the whole college experience would not have been plausible without your concern for my future. Whether it was the constant nagging about scholarship essays or the “I told you so” speech when I spent all my money on Uber’s, you created the perfect balance of tough love and emotional support. Twelve months ago, I couldn’t have told you what a FAFSA is or how many steps it takes to organize a dorm room exactly how I want it. But because of you guys, I am finally growing up to be the person I’ve always wanted to be.

P.S. thanks for the care packages—please send another for finals. Pronto.

To my hometown friends:

If I could have taken you all to college in my suitcase, I would have. Luckily, we didn’t have to resort to such extremes because you were everything I needed from 100 miles away. From the first week when you assured me I’d make friends to last couple when we had philosophical conversations about how “old” we’re getting, you’ve been there. You have reminded me of my goals when I got off track and always created a little slice of home for me when this new place was too overwhelming. You guys are my rock and my roll, and I can’t wait to celebrate summer with all your smiling faces.

To my grandparents:

I think you guys might have been even more school spirited than me and for that, I am grateful. Thank you for giving me a safe place to come home to every holiday. The warm apple pie (dining hall food has nothing on you) and the solid life advice that never dies helped tremendously. You guys really are wise beyond your words. You serve as a living, breathing example that I can and will stay alive during my organic chemistry test. I promise I won’t let you down. I also promise to buy you more school merchandise in the future.

To that one professor:

Thank you for reminding me why I am going to college in the first place. Your desire for teaching and even learning from us young people really made an impact on who I am and what I want to do for the rest of my life. Thank you for showing me that passion is the most important thing, not perfection. If you are any indication of what is possible for me later in life, my future is looking very bright.

To my pets:

I have to give a shout out to you for not dying and/or forgetting I existed while I was away. Animals walking on campus will never compare to you, and I promise to attack you in several unwanted displays of affection as soon as I get home. Also, I will take you out to the bathroom this summer even though you just want to go flirt with the neighbor’s dog instead of pee. I miss you too much to complain anymore.

Finally, to my college friends:

Wow. We made it to the end of freshman year. Though there were tears and hardships and classes that really pissed us off, it was all bearable because you were going through it with me. From the nights I couldn’t find my way home (literally), to the weeks we laughed so hard we cried, I cannot stress enough how much I appreciate you choosing this loser to be your partner through it all. Because of you, I have another family and another place to call home.

Cheers to freshman year and to all the unsung heroes that made it possible.

Sincerely,

Your brand new Sophmore