Dear Class of 2015,

I miss you guys. I know that currently we are all handling being in college, or not being in college, in our own fashion. For some of us, we figured it out the first week of school, and it has made you question everything about high school. How could I possibly have done all that homework on top of six hours of school, clubs and sports? For others, college has been an uphill battle to fit in, make friends, readjust and handle being away from home. Those people may really miss high school. If you are like me, however, you really like college, but you really miss high school. No matter what category you fit into, though, it will be OK.

Some people left Highlands excited to leave the rest of us behind and start over, while others clung to the past. I certainly clung to the past. I couldn’t image laughing as much as I laughed in high school, or not knowing everyone’s name who I passed in the hall. I miss knowing what stupid letter day it was, but I miss the people most of all.

Maybe I’m the only one who feels this way, but I loved being a part of the Class of 2015. I left feeling that I belonged to something so important and strong, regardless of us not getting our crap together to pull off a senior prank. I wish you were all a part of my college experience. As much as I love Villanova and the people here, no one is as funny a group as the Class of 2015 Highlanders.

As we are all on the cusp of concluding our first year of college, I think it’s important to remember that there is something that unites all of us. For anyone feeling alone or for anyone missing the Class of 2015, there are always 351 or so people in your corner. Personally, I don’t need to have met you in high school, or been in class with you to respond to a Facebook message or email. Knowing that you were a part of my high school experience is enough for me. I believe in the rest of our class, too; I know that one of us could reach out to anyone in our class for comfort, support, guidance or friendship. Depression and loneliness do not have to plague us. We have each other to lean on. We don’t say #HighlandsStrong because its cute- we say it because it means something to us. It unites the entire class.

More than ever this year, I am keeping the Class of 2015 in my heart. Given recent tragedies and posts, it comforts me going back on our Facebook pages and seeing how much we have supported one another in the past. It is because of this that I am expecting a major turn out at our 10th, 20th and 50th high school reunions. I truly hope I am not the only one that feels the bond that connects all of us, especially as we have dealt with immense loss over the past couple of months.

For my parting words, I once again will say that if anyone is need of a friend, companion or just someone to talk to, we are here for you. The Class of 2015 is composed of incredible people who are strong, compassionate, hysterical, passionate, friendly, and so much more. We have so much to offer one another, and I know our graduation did not mark the end of all that we have to offer. I hope all of you have the best four years of your life, and if high school was those years, that’s perfectly fine as well.

I love you all,
Kendall