Confusing headline probably. But, as you know, a lot of blog-writing includes letters, and while this isn't a blog, nor am I trying to write a letter to anyone really, I just feel like there are a lot of things that must be said.

While this is from my personal perspective, I think there is a lot to learn. As I am sure you can gather from the rest of my pieces (if you haven't read them yet, please do!), my freshman year of college was one of the best, worst, and most trying times of my life. But, I am happy to say that I have learned a lot, and will take the lessons I have learned with me. On that note, if you have been part of my life at any point this year, I hope you take the time to read this:

To My Parents:

Obviously this one is personal just because I only have one set of parents (like most), but words cannot describe the sacrifices you have made to make me happy and make my dreams come true. I could never repay either of you for that. Thank you for venturing beyond your comfort zone so that I could pursue what I want to, and for being there for me no matter what time of day or what the circumstances are. No one will ever replace either of you in my life, and you should know that.

To the Friends I Started College With:

You know who you are. Thank you for all the amazing times - the laughs of both happiness and misery as we realized what college was really about, for the adventures and spontaneous trips to Halal Guys on a Friday, and the panic that preceded nearly all of our exams. I am happy to have spent this time with you, and I will never forget it.

To the Friends I Lost Along the Way:

Some say the world was created with a duality - where there is gain, there is loss. While I am grateful for the friends that started with me, I am also grateful for the friends I lost along the way. Thank for the connection that was once felt, the laughs that were shared, and the memories that were made. I will never regret those times spent together. And if you have left my life, whether it be for personal reasons or no reason at all, I am still thankful for you.

To Those I Made the Happiest of Memories With:

I need(ed) it. I may not think that sometimes, but I know that whenever I am having a rough moment or day or whatever, I can rely on the good times I had to cheer me up. Thank you for the laughing fits, the tons of great food, the new places we have explored, the stories we told each other, all of it. They say college is supposed to be some of the best years of your life, but that is only thanks to people who make those amazing memories.

To Those Who Stood By Me When I Needed It Most:

This is probably the most important section for me (look forward to a later piece on this!), because we all know how hard it can be to take a life you knew since you were a kid, remove it, and immerse yourself in a whole new way of life. It's drastic, sobering. While I have literally harped on how hard it has been, I want to recognize all of those who were with me in the toughest of times. I know those phone calls of pure distress and tears could not have been easy to hear, but thank you for staying on, even if it was to hear me catch my breath. It means the world to know that you have people in your life to love and care about you - thank you.

Of course the list goes on, but the common theme here is - thank you. As I officially finish my first year of college, I know I am a changed, stronger person, and thank you all for contributing in some small or large way to that, whether you fell in this category or are just reading this article.