Dear NEL 312,

I remember the excitement of having a college dorm room. I spent hours on Pinterest and probably too much money at Bed, Bath & Beyond. My mind visualized how posh my room would be, and I knew it would be everything I wanted and more.

Upon move in day, I realized that college dorm rooms were nothing like they were in movies.

No one warned me about the lack of space, the awfully uncomfortable twin XL mattresses, and the reoccurring weird smell. My mind thought the worst, and my dreams shattered.

However, no one warned me about how attached I would become to my tiny box of a dorm room.

Today, as I move out of my dorm and out of on-campus housing for the remainder of my college career, I am reminiscing on everything that happened inside these four walls.

Room 312, you saw many smiles and tears. You heard many laughs and a lot of gossip. You brought me to a random roommate who became my forever best friend. You introduced me to the girl in Room 306 who loved Chili's and 2000's hip-hop just as much as I did. You gave me a new-found independence to live on my own and make it without my parents, and you taught me how to cook gourmet meals in the microwave.

Thank you for giving me a place to escape from the days when campus life got overwhelming. Thank you for being the go to hang out for movie nights with other girls on the floor. And thank you for reminding me that home can be wherever I'm surrounded by those who I love and care about.

Although the water pressure was awful, the temperature never stayed the same, and the walls were thinner than paper, I was able to get the full college experience inside that small cubicle. I wouldn't have changed a thing about it.

North East Leoser, I'm so grateful to have lived right in the middle of the third floor. In that small room I grew as a student, a friend, and a person. I stayed up way too late and got up way too early. I've made the whole hall smell like burnt popcorn and probably played my music way too loud while getting ready. I can run in my towel from the public restroom after a shower without being seen like a champ. I am great at organizing any small space and sharing a room with someone else is now second nature. All of these things and more are what added to my college experience.

Once the last box is packed and I have returned my room keys, all traces of me will be gone (expect for a few nail holes that I may or may not have left). I will be added to the list of others who have occupied the left side of the room. In a few short months, you'll see two new faces who will experience the same kind of joy and excitement that college has to offer. I hope they treat you right and enjoy the time they have with you.

Goodbye, sweet dorm room. I really will miss you (sometimes).

Love,

Kaylee