New beginnings are never easy, especially when I made the decision to live over 1,000 miles away from the place I call home. I was ready to embrace the change and the challenge because it was something that I had always wanted to do. Don’t get me wrong though, I was terrified.

Before going to Penn State I had never been to the east coast, didn’t know a single person at Penn State that lived in my city and was stressed about having to make friends all over again. However, it didn’t take very long to find people who made me feel like I could easily be myself. These are the people that I have formed lasting friendships with and will be forever grateful for.

I want to start off by saying thank you, for making me realize that I am never truly alone. I know that I can always count on you to be there. Throughout the past year, you’ve all made me laugh a little harder, cry a little less and smile a whole lot more. For that, you have made my life brighter because you accept me for just the way I am... flaws and all.

Thank you for the late night talks, endless advice, crazy nights and so much more. I’d definitely be lost without you. There’s no one else I’d rather go to the HUB with on the daily, send ugly Snapchats to and go on impromptu outings with. I can honestly say that you have made me a better person and have helped me to grow to become the person that I've always want to be.

It’s strange to think this was only our first year together. I feel like I have known you for years. We have so much left to experience. Thank God for that because there’s no way I’m ready for our wild times to end. I wouldn’t trade any part of this year for anything else.

There’s a lot to love about a place like our school, but Penn State wouldn’t be Penn State without all of the amazing people that go there like you. So thank you once again for making Penn State feel like my home.