Dear New Friends,
A year ago, I didn’t have any idea who you were, how much you would mean to me or how much you would show me about myself that I didn’t know.
When I first moved on campus to start my freshman year, I didn’t know hardly anyone. The first few weeks of my college experience were a bit scary. Meeting new people, figuring out where all of my classes were and adjusting to this new life away from home were all kind of overwhelming. I didn’t know if things were ever going to get better, worse, or stay the same.
Fast forward halfway through the year, and I am having a great time. All of my anxiety and fears of starting college are long forgotten. They are replaced by staying up too late playing silly games like Uno, throwing birthday parties with really cheesy decorations and making (sometimes very) late night food and Walmart trips.
Getting to know you crazy people through sharing the adventure that college is with you has changed me for the better. I have grown a lot during my freshman year and this is partly thanks to you. I would not be the person I am today without you. Not only have I made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime, I have also found people who really care about me. For example, when I was in a relationship that really needed to end because I wasn’t being treated right, it was you guys that sat me down (my first intervention!) and told me I was far better than the way I was being treated. I can’t thank you enough for showing me that I don’t need to change to please anyone else and continuing to show me that by accepting me for who I am every day, quirks and all. You have also taught me to be more accepting of others. If I would have known before this year that I would have been friends with people who have views that sometimes differ from my own, I would not have believed it. I was one of those people who fell into the trap of caricaturing people I disagree with based on one aspect I don’t like. You’ve taught me that although we have our differences, in the end, we aren’t really that different from one another.
Now, since the end of the academic year is rapidly approaching and we are counting down the days until we go our separate ways, I realize just how much I will miss being able to go down the hall and tell you all about something that happened, hearing and telling the sometimes very awful jokes or walking across campus and hanging out at Randle’s. These simple every day occurrences are made special because you all are there. I will truly miss them and I can’t wait to start school again (I never thought I’d say those words!) in the fall and make more memories and go on more adventures with you guys.
Sincerely,
A Grateful Friend.
