Dear Unnamed University,

Thank you. Thank you for giving me exactly what I needed.

During the first few months of my senior year of HS, I thought I had it all figured out. Where I wanted to go, who I wanted to be and what EXACTLY I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I watched all my friends struggle with applying to colleges and thanked my lucky stars I did not have that problem because my life was mapped out for me. Everyone knew I was getting in. I would freak out to my parents and friends and close teachers and I would always hear the same thing "Shut up you are getting in".

Until I didn't.

That was the hardest hit. Growing up in a very loving household with good friends and support all around that was the lowest point of my life. I remember not getting out of bed for 3 days because I did not know what to do. I did not understand how life could be so unfair and what I did to deserve something like this. I understand now, that I had it easy, and if that is the worst thing to have happened to me I can consider myself more than lucky. But at the time all I felt was a disappointment.

I remember sitting down with people discussing my options because I was so sure I was going to this college I only applied to one other and now, that was my only option. I remember not wanting to talk to anyone about anything college related because as all my friends were getting into myriads of places with different choices and things to look at. I already knew where I was going and I was not too thrilled about it.

Flash forward to today, I am about to start my sophomore year at the same college I was not thrilled about, but now its different. I could not be more excited. This school has opened so many doors for me, it has gotten me multiple jobs towards what I want to do in my life as well as expanding the ideas of what I can do. It has shown me things about myself that I did not even know I had in me. I get the chance to unlock different skills every day around the best people. The most supportive and kind people. I have made my forever friends and met the best roommate ever, who, if I did not go here would just be another human and not the special motivator she has become. I would not have had the chance to fall in love, or explore new places and new parts of the world I thought I knew. I would never really understand me. I thought I knew who I was and how everything looked, but this helped me discover that no one has the power to control everything and that everything happens for a reason.

So to that unnamed university that less the 13 months ago I would have done anything to go to, thanks. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to explore myself and the world.

College has always been that thing that people look at in such high regards. "It matters where you go" But I could not agree less. For now, I understand the saying "You Will End Up Where You're Meant to be."