Going away to college can be scary; leaving home for the first time and saying goodbye to your friends from home. However, getting involved and making friends can make your first year of college less frightening. The people I have met this year changed me for the better and because of them, my freshman year was a giant success.

Dear Friends,

I’m so glad that I met you all this year. Whether it be at orientation or in class, you all have made such an impact on me and have changed me for the better. I could not imagine a better way to spend my freshman year of college. Thank you for all that you guys have done for me this past year and for the many years to come (because let’s face it, we’re not graduating in four years).

You guys were there for me throughout all my problems. I cannot thank you guys enough for listening to me talk about a problem I had only to tell me that I overreacted. Yes, I was aware that I was (sometimes). You guys helped me when I had no idea what to do when I was struggling with a problem. Thank you for also being a shoulder to cry on when I needed it.

Thank you for all the fun nights. I loved every night we all spent together. Whether we went out or just stayed in and played video games, I enjoyed them all. When I’m with you guys, I know I’ll never be bored. From random balloons to random dance parties in the dorm to late night adventures, you guys made this past year such a blast. I’m so excited to go back next semester just to start these all over again, with the highlight of not having to sign each other in anymore!

Thank you for always having a buddy to eat at the dining hall with. Yes, sometimes we have to, due to conflicting schedules, but no one had to when we were all available. Someone was always there to eat with one another. I especially loved our group lunch/dinner sessions. We always had the best conversations and could talk about anything with one another.

I’m so fortunate to have friends like you guys. I’ve never met so many people who like and dislike so many of the same things as me. It helped us form a bond that we cannot have with anyone else. It was nice to find people who have the same passions that I do. Even when we don’t, we were all able to have an open mind and try each other hobbies.

I love all of you guys so much and I cannot wait until the fall to see you guys again! You guys have made this past year so awesome that I did not want to leave. You are all such an amazing group of people and I’m so grateful to call you guys my friends. I wouldn’t rather have any other friends besides you guys. You’ve changed my life for the better and I hope we all stay together.

Love,

Maria