Transitioning from high school to college is difficult for every incoming freshman. I can remember being nervous about going into my freshman year and not knowing what to expect. It wasn’t until I realized that there would be someone there, who I already called a friend, that my nerves started to die down and the excitement started to grow. I am so thankful for you and your effort to make sure my freshman year at UPike was the best year of my life.

When you texted me over the summer before classes started, I was glad to hear that you were going to be a fifth year student and would still be on campus. It put my mind at ease knowing that you were a veteran student and already knew everything there was to know about UPike. Not only did you assure me that if I needed anything that you would be there but you also informed me that you were best friends with my RA. You even introduced us through texts. Thanks for helping me build relationships before I was even on campus.

In addition to calming my fears, you also helped calm the fears of my dad, the overprotective grizzly bear. I will never forget the look on his face on move in week when you told him that he needed to stop dropping in and checking on me every day. I think he was shocked that one of his former students just told him to give his own daughter some space. However, I know that he was grateful for your caring heart and friendship with his little girl.

Thank you for urging me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. Being the introvert that I am, I didn’t ever think I would be going to dances and joining clubs the first week I was on campus. I thought I would die when you pointed me out at the Street Fair and yelled, “There she is! That’s who you want to be part of SGA!” to the President of Student Government Association. I can also remember you putting me on the spot and telling everyone I could sing at Blessed Unity of God. You were always talented at volunteering me to do tasks and activities. At the time, I wanted to wring your neck for embarrassing me but now I am glad that you did.

All in all, you made my first year at UPike amazing.Thanks for coming to my room late at night and having girl talk with my roommate and I even though you ate all my macaroni and cheese that was shaped like little minions. Thanks for pushing me to be the best person I could be. Thanks for all the prayers you’ve prayed for me and the pep talks you gave me. But most of all, thanks for being a true friend when I needed it. I could never make you realize what a blessing you’ve been to me.