Dear University of the Pacific,

When I first set foot on our campus, I had no idea what to expect. My first impression was that the grounds were lovely, but I could've never guessed how much I would appreciate their beauty over the next three years. I hadn't a clue that I would fall in love with a school after one visit. I never imagined all the incredible people I would meet, the wonderful classes I would take, or the family I would build from the friends I made along the way. I never thought Pacific would become my home.

But it did. Almost without my notice, UOP transformed from just another college to the place where my heart belonged. I learned the campus like the back of my hand. I carved a little square of heaven in the McCaffrey apartments with my roommates. I adopted the WPC as my favorite place for classes and visiting with my professors alike. I found all my favorite places to relax and enjoy the peaceful lull of those rare, free afternoons outside.

When I was drowning in homework and obligations, it was so easy to take my home for granted. It was so easy to forget what a beautiful place I was in, what amazing people I had all around me who wouldn't be within walking distance forever. I only have one regret from my time here-- I wish I'd stopped to appreciate it all more often, to take in just how lucky I was. I couldn't have asked for a better college experience than the one UOP gave me.

To all the friends I've made in the past three years,

Every single one of you has been a blessing in my life. You've all given me so many fond memories to take with me as I head into the future, ones I could never fully express my gratitude for. The smiles and laughs and triumphs we shared are brighter than all the stars in the sky. When we were together, I felt like I could do anything. I felt like I belonged. There are so many of you I want to thank individually, but it would take a novel to share just how much each of you mean to me. Know that every single one of you is special. You're all some of the most bright, talented, wonderful people I will ever have the pleasure to know. Take care of yourselves, okay?

To my amazing professors, especially in the English department,

I would never have made it this far without all of you. Before coming to UOP, school had lost its luster for me. I wasn't confident in what I'd learned during high school, and I expected to face the a similar experience in college. You changed all of that. You reignited my love for learning in your classes. You challenged me to be the absolute best I could be. You encouraged me to open up and join discussions when before I would've been happy just to hide in the corner forever. You encouraged me on all my projects, my papers, and my aspirations. Without you, I would've never found the person I am now or the path I want to follow in the future. I only wish I could've had more time to spend with each of you, in and out of class. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

To Dr. Courtney Lehmann, my second mother,

I can't even begin to put into words how much you've done for me. You were the one who first made Pacific feel like home. If I hadn't been welcomed so warmly by you before I was even an official student, I don't know where I would've ended up. Since that first meeting, you've been nothing but supportive and kind and enthusiastic in ways that go above and beyond your role as a professor. If I ever had a problem, I knew I could count on you to solve it. If I ever needed company or an ear to listen, you were there. You brought me to the Humanities Scholars, and you gave me a place in this scary college world that was more special than I could ever ask for. I can only hope I've repaid a fraction of all the love you've spared for me. I wish you the absolute best in the years to come. I promise we'll see each other again soon.

To Eric and Steven, the ultimate dream team,

I can't even begin to describe how much the two of you have brightened my life. Both of you have such stunning personalities, and together you make up the most dynamic duo I've ever met (after Kat and I, of course). Thank you both for being so incredibly supportive in the short time we've gotten to know each other.

Eric, you're such a talented and warmhearted person, and I hope you've found a family with all of us as I have with you guys. You're going to do so many brilliant things in your life. I have no doubt I'll be seeing you on TV in the future, attending the premiere of a movie you wrote the screenplay for, or being interviewed for your book that just hit the bestseller list. Please don't ever change. And tell Malcolm hello for me, too.

Steven, your kindness knows absolutely no bounds. I know things haven't been totally smooth sailing for you lately, but I want you to know that if you ever need anything at all, I'll always be here to lend a hand. You're one of the sweetest people in the world, and you deserve all the best. France has never seemed farther away than it does now, knowing I'd have to cross an entire ocean to come see you. Hopefully I'll be able to do that soon, before I start to miss you too much.

To Clarissa, the best Little I could ever ask for,

I hope you know how proud I am of you. I know I've jokingly called you my child before, but whenever I hear about all the things you're doing and the accomplishments you've had, I really feel like a proud mother watching her baby grow up. You're such a talented artist, and you're so smart and witty and caring. Both of us were pretty quiet when we met, but I'm so glad we were able to come out of our shells together and be part of a family. No matter what you decide to do, I know you're going to be amazing at it. Take care of yourself, and I'll come visit you again very soon. Count on it.

To the illustrious Kathryn Elizabeth Harlan-Gran (aka Mother Kat),

There aren't enough words in the English language to describe how astounding you are. You do so much for absolutely everyone, and you take on more responsibilities than anyone I know, yet you still manage to juggle them all. I can't tell you how blessed I felt at graduation, watching you give your speech and receive your fancy award, and knowing that I'm privileged enough to call you one of my best friends. You're beautiful inside and out, and you make the world a better place simply by existing in it. If anyone has a chance to reach for the stars and actually make it there, it's you. But please remember to give yourself some room to breathe, too. We don't want you taking any more tumbles down the stairs. I'd much rather visit you at home or at UOP than in the hospital.

To my beautiful roommates, Kat and Rav,

Thank you. Thank you both so much for making the last two years of my college career so full of life, laughter, and love. Coming home to our apartment every day, knowing the two of you would be there waiting for me, was what really made Pacific perfect. My daily routine started and ended with you. Leaving behind the home we'd made together was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and I have no doubt I still have many tears to shed over it, knowing we've gone our separate ways for now. I'll always miss our banter, our late nights in my room playing games together, and our times spent being each other's shoulders to cry on. There are so many little things we did that I'll never forget, even ones as simple as going out for ice cream together or listening to each other laugh from across the hall. I have no doubt we'll be together again very soon, but until then, there will always be a pair of holes in my heart that only you two can fill.

Although it breaks my heart to leave, my time as a Pacific student is over. I'll miss everything and everyone about this campus more than I could ever say. Thank you for three irreplaceable years.