The beginning of freshman year was hard for me for three main reasons: I was living in a dorm instead of my own home, attending a new school, and trying to make new friends. I missed the familiarity of everything at home -- seeing my family after a long day at school, visiting my grandparents all the time, eating at my favorite restaurants, going to my high school everyday, being with my friends, running on a team, and more.

Even though I missed Dallas, my residential advisor, Rose, was immediately so welcoming and friendly, and she offered me advice and talked to me like we had been friends for years. I will never forget the lessons Rose taught me this year, and I am eternally thankful for all the nights she let me hang out in her room for hours. I don't know what I'd do without Rose living a few doors down from me next year, but I do know that she's always just a phone call away. I can't thank her enough, but I'll give it a try:

Thank you for giving me advice.

Thank you for making me laugh.

Thank you for listening to me.

Thank you for telling me endless stories about your life.

Thank you for making the boys down the hall be quiet when all the girls wanted to sleep.

Thank you for giving me chocolate.

Thank you for unlocking my door when I was too poor to pay the $25 fee to get back in.

Thank you for planning museum, beach and food adventures.

Thank you for being my stand-in mom.

Thank you for tucking me into bed that one time when I was stressed and really needed to feel like a kid again.

Thank you for helping me survive freshman year, Mama Rose. I couldn't have done it without you.