This article felt weird for me to write considering how gung-ho I was when applying to what I thought was my dream school. The truth is, I was so set on where I wanted to go that I didn’t bother to fill out any other applications, I was sure that this school was exactly where I was destined to be. As the year progressed, I became less sure of my decision. Did I really want to be where I was? Was there something I was missing in my college experience? I felt stuck. I knew for a fact that all of my credits wouldn’t transfer, and I was scared to leave my friends and professors that I had become close with behind.

But I wanted more. I wanted to be sure. I wanted to be fully happy.

As summer began, I still had not taken action on my desire to transfer, and then everything happened in a whirlwind.

Let this article serve as both an announcement, and as a thank you.

So with that said, I am transferring this fall.

I am transferring this fall and I want to thank the people who positively impacted me at my first college.

To my closest friend:

I’m sorry. I’ve already told you a million times, and I know you said it's OK, but I hate the fact that I am leaving you. We didn’t become close until the very end of first semester and I know we both wish it happened sooner. What is important is that we had each other's back in the spring, because we both went through a really rough time. If you end up going back this fall, space out your swipes, use one a week and I’ll try to make it to the cafe for a couple of them. I promise, it’ll be at least five! Our inside jokes will never end, and if you ever need someone to go on a random day trip to a mall 45 minutes away, I’ll do everything I can to be your navigator so I can let you know when you have arrived. You’re an amazing person and if people fail to see that, don’t be discouraged. Its their loss. I love you and will always be right here for you bud...no amount of distance will ever change that.

To my other best friend:

I love that you live so close to me, and there’s no doubt that we’ll see each other a whole lot. Thank you for being supportive and amazing, even though this change means we can’t have as many library dates. Keep kicking butt at everything you do, and don’t let your anxiety hold you back. I’ll always be a text away, and I’m always up for a random bae-day with you. Love ya, girlie!

To my in-class mom:

We had so many amazing conversations about growing up. I learned so much from you and know that whatever you do in the next stage of your life, you will be amazing at it. You deserve so much happiness and love and I am forever grateful we met. I know that I can always text you when I need help, and promise to always keep you up to date with how life is working out.

To my academic adviser:

You are the best. Hands down, I am just thankful to have the opportunity to say I was one of your students. We had a conversation about me potentially transferring back in the spring, and I want to assure you that it wasn’t your sales pitch that had me leaning towards staying, it was the fact that I could see how much you cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. You always had my back and were someone I could go to about anything, and I hope that we can still be close as I move on.

To my teammates:

I love you guys, I really do. I wish you all the best and a lot of success moving forward. Remember: Winning isn’t everything. You need to stick together as a team and play as one unified body. Ubuntu. The game is more fun like that and fun is the only measure of success in the bigger picture.

Looking back at this past year I definitely made some amazing memories and friends, but it is time that I do what is best for me. I am so excited to move forward and make more memories. I think of this past year as a growing experience but I know that I am not done growing yet.