I remember that day of my campus tour, gawking at the vast bricks and historic buildings, feeling this "thing" in the air that was fresh and exciting, wondering what life could be like in this beautiful little town.

I'll never forget sobbing as my parents and I finished up our dinner, preparing to say goodbye to the two most important people in my life, to begin a new journey without them, the people who have always been right there when I needed them.

How could I forget that overwhelming feeling of being on my own for the very first time, putting together my dorm room on West Green, completely unsure of what to expect?

I was excited, afraid, sad, anxious -- you name it.

My last summer night before freshman year, I thought to myself, "I'm not ready to go off to college." And now, three years later, here I am thinking, "I can't believe I have to leave."

I never imagined, as a freshman, that my little dorm would open up a door to so many new opportunities, amazing friends, and unforgettable memories over the next few years that would change my life forever.

Freshman year was like being at the playground -- absolutely no cares in the world, jumping into the excitement of college life, not worrying about time because we still had so much of it. At least, we thought we did.

Four years seems like forever when you're just beginning. So much can happen in that amount of time, but somehow, you snap your fingers and a year has gone by, and then another, and another. People will always tell you to "live it up" because time will fly by, and they're right.

It feels like a dream.

As I reminisce on the last few years and prepare for graduation, a whirlwind of emotions runs through me: sadness, happiness, anxiety, fear, warmth, gratitude, love -- everything.

Knowing that there are so many things the future has in store for me is thrilling, and I can't wait to find out what they are. But as I think about leaving this wonderful place, my heart slightly breaks. Athens will forever hold a special place in my heart. Here I made incredible relationships, learned lifelong lessons, made unforgettable memories, and grew as a person more than I ever could have imagined. I am the best version of myself because of Athens and my experiences as a Bobcat. Athens has given me peace and contentment with my life and prepared me for my future in this world. For that, I'm forever grateful for this town and this university.

Magic runs through these bricks. Thank you, Athens, for casting your spell on me.

There's no place like hOUme.