I know that probably countless articles have been written about someone's college being their home away from home. They've probably talked about how much they're going to miss everything after graduation- their friends, late nights, certain professors, sorority/fraternity, the memories, etc.
However, I would like to think that because everyone's experience is different, each story is more interesting. Especially, here at Westminster, good 'ol WC, lots of things are unique. I'm going to miss that uniqueness. For example, I'm going to miss walking into the art exhibits in Patterson and trekking all the way up to the 4th floor or Thompson Clark to go see my favorite Spanish professors (rather just two of my favorite professors in general). I'm going to miss walking through campus and waving hello to nearly everyone because small campuses provide us with a beautiful tight-knit community. I'm going to miss my amazing, eclectic sorority sisters, my Phi Mu's for life. I'm going to miss my teammates, the one's who have seen me in every possible state of mind, my "ride or dies," my family. I'm going to miss the craziness of the science building, Hoyt, aka the "rat labyrinth", which has honestly been the place I reside for the past 4 years (seriously, sometimes I think I actually live there rather than my dorm).
The list is endless, and I could go on and on about what I'm going to miss. Of course, there are a couple things I won't miss (yes, the food. Everyone knows the food is horrendous), but those don't compare to the things I will miss.
I consider myself one of the luckiest people alive because I got to experience Westminster College in its entirety. Meg Douds, one of my best friends, once described Westminster by saying, "I am here, and here is good." That's perfection in a statement, honestly.
Westminster has been so good to so many people. In fact, it has given me "my people," the ones I know I'll have as friends for the rest of my life. Our bond is not easily broken because Westminster has taught us that we have formed something so strong, something timeless, something unique to the small school environment. My people are here at Westminster, and as my dearest friends have come and gone, so many still stay in touch, and so many still have a special place in my heart.
So thank you Mother Fair- thank you forgiving me the opportunities of a lifetime. Thank you for making my dreams turn into realities. Thank you for your endless love and support. Thank you for giving me something that doesn't last just for years, but for life. Thank you for giving me professors that have taught me more than just classroom material. Thank you for giving me my most genuine friends. Quite truthfully, thank you will never be enough.
Though I'll be graduating in a few short days, I know I'll always find my way back to my Mother Fair Westminster, my home.
