At Tarleton State University we have this tradition called Duck Camp. Every incoming freshman is invited to go to Duck Camp, learn the traditions and fall in love with Tarleton. At Duck Camp, you and the group you are put in, are given two people to help you through this process. We call these people Momma and Daddy Ducks. It seems strange, but it's actually really great. I was blessed with two Momma Ducks, Kenzie and Kim. They may not know but they changed my life that week.

Dear Momma Ducks,

Before I went to duck camp, I was dreading it. I didn't want to go. I wanted to work and I wanted to stay home with my friends that I was about to be leaving. I didn't even want to go to Tarleton all that much yet. I had big A&M (gross) dreams that had been crushed by the cost of tuition. However, on that day in July, when I walked into Wisdom Gym, you immediately accepted me like I was one of your best friends.

Throughout Duck Camp, you forced me to open up and get out of my comfort zone. YOU helped me fall in love with this school. You made sure I knew the chants and school song, things I will never forget for all my life. You taught me that it is okay to dance EVERY TIME 'Every Time We Touch' comes on. Shoot, you taught me it's okay to dance when any song comes on. You showed me that no matter what happens in my life, I can make it through and I will be better than I think I can be if I just try. You stood by my side through emotional group sessions, and through every laugh we had.

When Duck Camp ended, your job didn't. Throughout the rest of the summer we constantly talked. You answered our freshman questions and you kept us pumped up for our new lives. I could not have made it through my freshman year of college without my Momma Ducks. You two have always managed to hug me, stop and talk to me or shoot me a message when I needed it most. From my depression to my struggles with classes, you were both there.

Thank you both, for everything. For helping me fall in love with this school, a true love that will never end! For helping me realize just how important my life and my feelings are. For managing, somehow, to make me laugh no matter what situation I'm in. For taking me under your wings and making sure that I knew what was going on through Duck Camp and my crazy Freshman year here at Tarleton.

Also, a huge shout out to Momma T, Mike B, Dr.D, and all the TTMs for making Duck Camp such an amazing experience. My life was changed because of it. I truly believe that if I hadn't gone to Duck Camp, my love for this school would be much different!

Momma Ducks, you changed my life and for that I will always be grateful. I had no idea when I walked into that gym that I was going to get two beautiful, brilliant, goofy and loving women to lead me. I am so lucky.

Love y'all,

Your Baby Duck