As April is slowly coming to an end with finals approaching fast, I can't help but think how my journey as an undergrad is almost over. I remember like it was yesterday how excited and nervous I was about leaving high school, and here I am getting ready to graduate from college and enter the big, scary world of adulthood. Throughout my years of undergrad I was always so excited to get out into the world and experience life in its entirety, but here I am staring the end of undergrad in the face and I can tell you it is more bittersweet than, I can honestly say, I wanted.

Over the weekend I was walking through campus on World Wide Winthrop Day. I was excited for the free food and games, but what I really got was a flood of memories from when I went to World Wide Winthrop day with my dad as a senior in high school. I remembered being a wide-eyed-soon-to-be Eagle. I imagined how great my life would be at Winthrop and all of the things I would achieve, man was I low-balling.

Throughout my years I have accomplished great things, I have made many friends, and I can honestly say I have found myself. I owe so many thanks to the people who have gotten me to this point in my life, but I also owe a huge thank you to my school, Winthrop University.

Thank you, Winthrop for being beautiful on the outside so that I could enjoy your inside beauty. Whenever someone explains why they chose Winthrop there is always some mention of the beautiful campus. Winthrop's beautiful campus draws in prospective students near and far. My personal favorite spot is the big purple sculpture in Hardin Garden. It is the perfect place for so many things like sitting to have lunch, to catch some sun, to catch up with friends, to cry during a serious talk, or just to gather some alone time.

Thank you, Winthrop for teaching me how to dodge people like I dodge the silk worms in the spring. With Winthrop being a small campus it helps you learn how to avoid those people you never want to see again, those you feel awkward around, or those you just don't want to deal with at the moment. Whether you dip quickly onto a different walking path, pretend to be on the phone, or straight face it like you don't know of their existence, Winthrop has helped me learn how to dodge people like no other.

Thank you, Winthrop for giving me my life long friends. We have grown together in ways only college friends can. We have seen each others 3 am, sleep deprived selves and have still stood by each other. We have helped each other through some of life's toughest moments and we have laughed through some of the best.

Thank you, Winthrop for giving me the ability to eat any food and not get sick afterwards. Basically thank you for Thomson.

Thank you, Winthrop for giving me professors who actually care about me and my life. I am not just a face in a crowd, rather I am a person they want to help succeed. I have grown close to professors on campus and they truly are the best mentors I could ask for.

Thank you Winthrop for basketball games, open mic nights, step shows, and so much more. You provided me with a diverse option of extracurricular fun and a cultural variety of events I could not find anywhere else. You opened my eyes to things I had never seen and helped me experience new things.

Thank you, Winthrop for my unforgettable college days. When I am older and speaking to my children and my children's children I will forever speak kindly of the amazing ways Winthrop impacted my life. I am forever in your debt, yes even financially.

Thank you, Winthrop, for being my home away from home over the years. As I look forward to my future away from you, I grow nostalgic about the times we have shared. I sure will miss this place when I am gone.

Thank you, Winthrop, thank you.