To the people who impacted me here at school -

This one is for you.

Moving away wasn’t a choice I thought I’d make anytime soon, but there was a force that was driving me to do so. For me, it was a mental health choice, but I know plenty of people who have chosen online schooling for various reasons. It’s not you – It’s me.

I didn’t think much would change, but it did.

I lost some friends, I gained some new ones.

To the professor who changed my life: thank you. You inspired me to do more than I thought I’d be interested in doing. Now I want to find time for an independent study and travel for my honors project. I may be leaving this next semester, but we will stay in touch. I can’t forget about how you’ve influenced me to push myself harder, farther, than I thought I could. You asked me to stay and for you, I might’ve, but my decision was finalized. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll come back. Regardless, I will never forget you.

To the professor who let me down: thanks, I guess. You made my life hell. Almost failing your class, teaching false information, and giving out assignments that made no sense really opened my eyes. Not every professor is here to better their student’s education. You didn’t care, and that was apparent. I’ll remember you next time I think a class is going bad.

To the best friend who became my enemy: I’m not sure how to put this, but things changed. When I thought you were a great friend, you stabbed me in the back. We were so close last year, but I guess you decided I wasn’t good enough this time around. Regardless, I still thank you. We had some great memories together when we were close, and without you I’d be a completely different person.

To the roommate who became my best friend: thank you. You made some of my worst days my best, got me to open up about things that were hard for me to talk about, and made me feel like I was actually important. You were always there for me, and I promise you that I will always be there for you. I never imagined that we’d be this close when I first started stalking your Instagram after we were confirmed as roommates, but look at us now. Decorating Christmas cookies, awkward dancing, laughing at animal pictures and videos, and sharing pictures of the hot celebrity guys we get to see in concert later this year: just some of the moments we’ve shared in this amazing time together.

So, to my best friend: I will never forget how you were there for me when I was heartbroken and just needed to vent. I will never forget our dinner dates and homework editing. Every moment we shared was golden.

Don’t you forget about me. Maybe I’ll come back one day, but you’ll always be on my mind. Thanks for the memories, and have a happy winter break. I’m sure I’ll see some of you around.