I've wanted to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin since I was a 5-year-old wandering around the Selmer extension while my dad was in class. To this day, I can remember the friendly faces and the faculty that watched out for me and knew my name. Those days had an impact on my life that I don't think I'll ever fully know how to express.

Rachael Wolters, the 2015-2016 Student Government President put her thankfulness into words at the University of Tennessee Board of Trustee Meeting on March 31st. I think all students at UT Martin can relate to this letter.

Dear UT Martin,

I don’t need to introduce myself to you, because you know me well. You have been my home for the last three years, and it struck me recently on my way to vet school interviews that our time together is drawing to a close. But you have taught me well. You invited me in as a young 4-Her attending Roundup, and again as a Governors School scholar. The small town of Martin that you live in made me feel right at home. I was so excited to attend UTM for college, and you surprised me in so many ways.

You taught me how to work hard. I knew I would receive a hands-on learning education here, but I never expected to be helping perform a necropsy on an animal in our necropsy lab my first semester here. I knew that chemistry was going to be difficult, but your professors are so talented and so kind. I fell in love with one of the most challenging subjects they teach. To this day, the most significant place on your campus is the last step to the third floor of the Johnson Engineering and Physical Science building. I climbed up those stairs to some of the most intimidating tests of my life, and I walked down those stairs knowing that there was no better feeling of accomplishment than the degree I was earning here at UTM. All of my friends feel that way too. You have taught us the value of academic discipline and the honor of studying under some of the greatest minds in our fields.

You taught me to be a leader. The little timid freshmen that stepped onto your campus is no longer here. You have allowed me to travel the world with the Ned Ray McWherter Institute, network with veterinary specialists from all across the country, and voice my opinion as a student through the Student Government Association. You have the unique ability to provide opportunities to all students to become confident in their abilities. To this day, the most significant position I have held here is leading a Peer Enabling program as a part of the First Year Initiative. My PEP leader taught me how to navigate through college, and I, in turn, was given the opportunity to teach a class of first year pre-vet students. Mentorship is something you do very well, UT Martin. Whether it is student-to-student, or faculty-to-student, I know that I can go into the office of every professor I have had and just talk about life.

And finally, you have taught me to be a friend. The people that walk through your quad always have a smile, and an air of positivity to be shared. Even when our sidewalks flood or the gingko trees make the whole campus smell bad for a week, the quad is a beautiful representation of the dynamic of our school. The cross walks that merge the academic buildings are the meeting ground for diverse thoughts and opinions. The rich artistic culture is hybridized with the rigid scientific processes. The abstract minds of humanities are harmonized with the methods of business school. UT Martin, you have taught me to love and respect the students and faculty on this campus in a way that I never would have learned anywhere else. And for that I thank you.

UT Martin, you have been a home to many, and I thank you for upholding the lessons of academic discipline, leadership, and friendship.

Sincerely,

A thankful student,

Rachael Wolters