Dear scared freshman,
It’s all going to be OK. Putting all my stuff in a truck, setting out to this unfamiliar place. My nerves were going insane and I almost didn’t want to actually go. Looking back now, I am so glad I did. A lot has changed in that one year and I am forever grateful.
To my freshman roommate,
Thank you…
For figuring out how to live with a stranger for the first time together. For all the rant sessions that often went into the late hours of the nights. For saving me from eating in the dining hall alone. For reviewing my papers, texts and captions for pictures. For the study sessions. For all the roomie dates (especially the ice cream ones). For all the laughs. For the Snapchat streak that helps the distance between us now. Most importantly the love and friendship I have gained with you.
To the friends who have stayed by my side,
Thank you…
For pushing me to be who you knew I could be. For helping me come out of my shell when I just wanted to hide in my room. For understanding and laughing at the stories you try to explain to our new friends. For encouraging me. For loving me. For going through life with me. Most importantly being my comfort and familiar face when my whole world was changing around me.
To the friends who I have drifted apart from,
This is a part of life, some people are in your life for a long time and some just for a season. This year was full of drifting apart from friends who have been a huge part of my life. I just want to say thank you for all that you have done for me. For all the memories. For helping make me who I am today. Even though we have gone our separate ways, know I will still be here for you. I am just a text or call away.
To the new friends I have gained this past year,
You are nothing like I expected or prayed for; you are even better. I became friends with people I never imagined I would be close with and it’s been incredible. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and pour into me the way that you all have. For teaching me new things about myself and what friendship truly looks and feels like.
To my parents,
This year was so different being away from home for the first time. I appreciate all that you do for me and words will never be able to explain that gratitude. Thank you for all those phone calls about anything and everything. For all those home-cooked meals on the weekends that I learned to appreciate a lot more. Most importantly for raising me the way you did to prepare me to spread my wings and follow my dreams.
To myself,
This past year has been a roller coaster of mountain tops and valleys. I was pushed way out of my comfort zone, but I have become a better person because of it. I have learned a lot about myself and life, in general. You have to value the small things in life, the opportunities you never thought you could handle or possibly do and the people that are placed in your life. So to that scared freshman I was a year ago, I am here to say, all those nerves and emotions were worth it and I am more than OK. I hated at times, I have loved at times and I truly appreciated my freshman year of college more than ever I thought possible.
Sincerely,
Excited sophomore
