To my oddly extended family (Mom, Dad, bros, sis, aunts, uncles, cuzs', Grandma & Grandpa),

It wouldn’t be me if I didn’t start out with something for all of you … "Remember when our flight got canceled?" There's no one I'd rather get stuck in an airport or cramped hotel room with than each and every one of you. I love you guys for a million reasons, even when our functional dysfunction is at its peak. We are 15 solid and my life would not be the same without any of you guys, and I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today without all of your guidance. We come as a cult and everyone knows there's no getting in the middle of us.

Packing up and driving 4 1/2 hours to my new home was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. Walking away from the comforts and security of my ordinary life and leaving you all was a realization I never wanted to accept. I pretended the end of August was a time so far away it would never arrive. You all tried to prepare me for this time and what I was to expect and encounter when I got to college.

Growing up as one of “the eight cousins" (me, 2 brothers, sister, 4 cousins) was something I didn’t always appreciate throughout my childhood. Always being compared to one another, sharing a nanny growing up, going to camp together, going to every single after school activity with that same cousin (sorry Lauren, love you always), sharing a B'not Mitzvah with her and even getting the same Hanukkah gifts was definitely somewhat annoying and kind of impeded on my individuality. Opening up presents at our Hanukkah party was similar to the Indy 500 - a race to the finish; who could open the same sized box first because if your sister or cousin beat you to it, they ruined your surprise. It wasn't till I was about ten years old when I realized how lucky I was to be one of eight. The eight of us have spent so much time together to the point that the only difference between all of us are the homes we sleep in, and I couldn’t thank each of you more for being my best friends.

I never have to pretend to be someone I'm not when I'm around you. I never have to worry about what I'm wearing or look like. You all know me for the best and the worst and you never judge (well usually not). Your criticisms are never misconstrued because I know they come from the heart.

The last 3 1/2 weeks have been filled with more face times than my I-Phone has clocked in over the last year. Walks to class have been accompanied by my mom, gym workouts have been motivating with my cousin on the other end in Ohio doing the same and homework and studying is just like at home, thanks Dad for the help in stats.

While everything is new and sometimes unsettling, you guys have been beyond patient and supportive with my endless phone calls and texts. Encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and reach out to new people and join new clubs and organizations has been more than helpful. Thanks for your random texts just checking in on me and making me still feel a part of life in Hewlett. It is because of you all that I am here and doing what I love to do.

Mom and Dad, thanks for giving me “tough love” and for passing along to me every trait possible, the good the bad and the ugly (yeah Dad you know that's meant for you). I will continue to always make you proud.

Grandma, thanks for taking over when Mom is tired of face timing or texting and Aunt "K" and Aunt "K", thanks for your unbiased advice and constant undying words of encouragement. It's amazing, no matter the question or concern I have, you always manage to have the right words that instantaneously feel just right. I always feel better after we talk - so thank you.

From Rosh Hashanah in Hewlett, Yom Kippur in Old Bethpage, Thanksgiving in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, Hanukkah bashes at Grandma & Grandpas, to Mother's Day in Woodbury, it's pretty obvious that our holiday traditions are solid and I have learned to look forward and cherish our get-togethers. I am sad I won’t be home for all of the holidays this year, but I know the traditions we have will transcend to my new friends and neighbors here at school.

Having been here at SU for almost a month, I am already so thankful for all of the useful lessons I have learned throughout my life and put into practice here. You guys taught me how to care for everyone around me, treat others how I wish to be treated and appreciate the closeness of family and friends, which definitely is beneficial in a dorm. A smile is a contagious thing - and good perpetuates good. I promise I am carrying these forward!

I love you all to the moon and back, and I cannot wait to see you all so soon.

Love always,

Lindz