Dear Nova Fam,

First and foremost, thank you. When going to college, I was terrified. I was that weird southern girl who said "ya'll" and had NO CLUE what I was doing, but you took me in. To my fib and sweet girl, you let me crash on your floor for hours almost every night as we talked about anything but the homework we SHOULD have been doing. To em, you helped me survive what may be the worst event in my life, rush. To my opalescent tree shark, you always kept me smiling, no matter what was happening. To liz, you could make me giggle with your contagious laugh. To my curly haired goddess, I knew I could come to you with anything and you wouldn't judge me. To my beautiful co-host, you put up with me week after week as we talked about complete and utter nonsense. To my benchwarmers, even though we aren't best friends, you showed me that college wasn't something to be feared. It was a place where there were amazing people and things waiting for me. There are so many more people that I could thank. People, both good and bad, who taught me life lessons in my first year on my own, but that would be a bit more of a paper rather than a letter.

Things haven't been perfect, but what family is? We laughed and cried together. We picked each other up when we were down and cheered each other on when we soared. From little squabbles to fundamental political differences, we thrived because we knew to focus on the important and ignore the insignificant. We took our differences and used them to shine both individually and as a group.

It hasn't been easy on us, leaving everything behind and starting new never is. Each and every one of us left behind, home, friends, family, memories, and so much more to start a new life. I was terrified, but you guys made it so much easier, and, for that I am eternally grateful. I don't know what lies ahead over the next three years, but I do know that, no matter what, you'll be there for me, and I'll do my best to be there for you. From late night existential talks, movie nights, bachelor watch parties, finals cram sessions, countless meals together, and so much more, I know we have one heck of an adventure waiting.

Sincerely,

The girl who will never stop calling you sweetheart <3