My college experience so far has surely opened my eyes to the support system that is both 18 years strong, fresh but loyal, and everywhere in between.

It all started with my graduation party. It was, per se, an event. And when I say an event, I mean brats, homemade pasta salad, and plenty of embarrassing baby pictures. In all honesty, I was thinking that the card box would overflow with the basic “Congrats Grad” hallmark card, with donations to my education fund. I however become very aware very quickly of the network of people that had me in their hearts--and that, you better believe, melted mine. The beautiful notes inside the cards, the thoughtful gifts, and the substantial amount of helpful and heartfelt advice is what I was so overwhelmed by. These people who have been my relatives, family friends, and schoolmates truly cared. I felt so loved.

Thank you.

Then I had the summer of my life. I took trips, had late nights, deep conversations, family-time, adventures, late night drives, and made plenty of memories. True friends stepped up, resurfaced, and stuck by me. My family was always by my side. I always dreamed about having a movie-montage-worthy summer and by golly, I think I got it.

Thank you.

Then came time for move-in day. I was so scared, anxious, sentimental, and emotional. The mess that you are picturing right now is exactly what I was. I knew was stronger, more level-headed, and more laid back than that and ready to take this new journey head-on, so I was mad at myself for feeling these feelings. But my support system believed in me. They told me I could do it. I got texts, calls, and even comments on Instagram from my team back home that helped me believe in myself. My mom, of all people, has been and continues to be my rock (but I could go on and on about that so I will save that for a later article). You all told me to be myself and reminded me of who I am. You wished me luck on my first day of class. You continue to show your love. You may not think anything of your messages, but they are so powerful.

Thank you.

Then I had no one. I felt by myself on campus…for about .5 seconds. The girls I have met here are amazing and I am already connecting with them. My hallmates/floormates are amazing and are always up to helping one another out, supporting one another, and making sure we all have someone. That is truly something. I’m having conversations, making new friends, and building new relationships. Even the random people who I may not ever talk to again are kind. That is what college is about. I can be myself and have people to back me up, and I will always back them up.

Thank you.

I truly appreciate all of the love and positivity that I’m lucky enough to be at the receiving end of, and I try my best to never take it for granted. Coming to college has seriously put all of this into a new perspective for me, as I don’t know where I’d be without the support. Take the time today to thank your team, your hype-man or hype woman, your mom, your dad, your siblings, your grandma, your grandpa, your best friends, friends who you can always count on, helping hands, the people who make you laugh, the people who are your shoulders to cry on, the people who challenge you, the people who strike up a conversation, or even the people who simply smile at you. Those are the people you want in your life. You know who you are.

Thank you. I have your back, too.