Dear Music Fam,

I've said it time and time again in countless Instagram and Facebook photo captions, but I've never actually gotten the opportunity to fully explain how thankful I am to be part of such a wonderful department like ours with so many genuine and caring people, so let me take the time to do that now.

When I was first coming to LIU Post, I was scared. Everything in my life was changing and transitions like that have always been extremely hard for me. This one, though, seemed even scarier because I was doing it alone. There were no familiar faces in my corner. I did spend a shadow day on campus, but that didn't really make it any better. Along with everything changing, I was terrified that I wasn't going to make any friends. That was probably my worst fear. I was scared I'd spend my college years alone and graduate having not made any new friends along the way. Looking back at the person I was then and comparing it to the person I am now, is astonishing because I've changed so much. It's all been for the better and so much of that is thanks to all of you. Each and every one of you help to make this department the warm and welcoming place that it is, and I can't thank you enough for that.

You've helped me push myself out of my comfort zone. In the past, I would just sit idly by myself while everyone around me indulged in conversations. I never would even try to join in, but this year I've taken part in those conversations and been at more events than I ever have before and surprised myself in doing so. I've always believed that it's necessary sometimes to take a leap of faith and just say "what if." This year, I've done so much of that because I felt comfortable enough with the people around me. I'm so incredibly lucky to have grown closer and friendlier with so many of you during my time here. Although it has mostly this year, I can't wait to make those bonds and friendships even stronger in the near future.

I also need to mention how much it means to me that you've all accepted me for who I am. I'm far from perfect, I tend to be insecure and definitely have my fair share of quirks, but to be taken in and accepted with so much genuine love and kindness like I have been for just being me is so special. So, thank you so much for letting me be myself.

And of course, I couldn't dare forget to specially address all you wonderful seniors. Thank you for making my transition a little less scary. You all welcomed me with open arms and friendly smiles when I started at LIU Post last year. You helped me be sure that I chose the right place to take my journey. I had to travel on a pretty rocky road to get to the point I'm at now, but if it wasn't for you guys being so warm and friendly on my first day, I don't know if I would've made it here. It's ridiculous how much I'm going to miss all of you so much next year. Not seeing your faces on campus is going to be so strange, but just know that I'm so proud of everything you've all come to accomplish and the impression and impact you've made on me will never be lost. Please promise me that you won't be strangers once May comes and you walk across the stage at graduation. That's the last thing that I want to happen.

There are still some days when I'm quiet and not as energetic as most other days, but they've diminished significantly and this department truly is like a family to me. There's so much love going around on a daily basis that even when I'm in a crummy mood, I somehow get lifted out of my funk because of those around me. I'll never take that for granted.

Thank you all for being so accepting, full of love and friendly. Thank you for asking if I'm okay when you sense that I'm having a bad day. Thank you for all the laughs we've shared, the fun times at recital receptions, ensemble concerts and other things both on and off campus. Thank you most of all for being a friend to me and reassuring me that my worst nightmare won't come true. Thank you for caring about me. Thank you for the friendly smiles we share in passing and making this department such a wonderful and comfortable place to be. I'm so lucky to be able to perform and grow alongside each and every one of you, both musically and personally, and to be part of such a loving family.

It's so crazy to think that I'm almost halfway done with college, but the past two years have been nothing short of amazing and full of musical and personal growth. I look forward to building, solidifying and growing more friendships and making countless more memories with you all in the second half of my college career. I hope you all know now how big of a role you all play in my college experience and how much you've enriched my life by helping me learn so much about myself. So, once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. I can't wait to see what the future holds.

All My Love,
Brianna

P.S. I'm always up for an adventure, so feel free to throw any ideas you may have my way over the summer. I'd be more than happy to join you.