Dear Appalachian State University,

It’s hard to believe that my four years of being an undergraduate student are almost over. Four years of walking uphill both ways to classes, tailgating on football Saturdays in Raley and posting plenty of basic photos on social media of the Parkway have come and gone. It feels like yesterday I was walking across the high school graduation stage, anxious and ready to head up the mountain. Now I’m a few weeks away from graduating, and I don’t know what’s next.

As I walk around campus these next few weeks, I’ll be reflecting on my time here as a student. I just wanted to thank you personally for giving me a place to call home these last four years where I have grown into a better student, friend and individual. No matter where life takes me, I will always be a Mountaineer.

First of all, thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive a degree. A college education is now something that I have achieved, and nobody can take it away from me. All of those hours in the library, late night study sessions and numerous group projects and presentations have all paid off. Thank you also to the Cyber Café in the library and Crossroads in the Student Union for fueling me with coffee all these years. You have truly contributed to my success.

Thank you, Appalachian State, for allowing me to fall in love with the outdoors and the mountains. I would not have developed an appreciation for the environment, sustainable living or outdoor adventures without my four years at App. I am so thankful for each day that led me to Durham Park, the Greenway or the Parkway to hammock or hike. I felt such a sense of belonging in the mountains, and I am indebted to you for giving me four years to discover this wonderful place.

Thank you for placing me among a group of friends and teammates who I will keep for a lifetime. I have met some of the most gracious and caring people while being a student. These people will be part of my Mountaineer family for years, and I will not forget the moments we’ve shared on this campus. Thank you for the professors, faculty and staff who dedicate their lives to a University that provides a valuable and enriching experience to all of its students. The connections that I have made here with other students and with professors will provide me with opportunities in my future career, and I am so appreciative.

Thank you for committing to diversity, equality and acceptance. No other campus feels as welcoming as Appalachian State. This community has given me the opportunity to walk in others’ shoes and accept people for who they are. App State, you have given plenty of students – including myself – the means to discover exactly who we are as individuals and where we fit into society.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a Mountaineer and represent the University as a student-athlete as well. Being part of the “twenty teams, one family” motto has fulfilled my dream of becoming a collegiate athlete. Whether I was watching from the stands or playing down on the field, I felt such support from you and other fans.

Thank you for challenging me as a University Honors and Departmental Honors student. My academic experience has elevated my skillset to prepare me for the workplace to build a career of my own. I am proud of where I have been, and I look forward to seeing where my academic achievements take me.

After I graduate in May and become an alumnus, I will not have these opportunities anymore. I will not be able to swipe my App card to get into a football game. I will not be able to spend my meal plan like monopoly money and gain another fifteen pounds. I won’t be able to do so many things that I was able to do as a student, but I will always remember the countless memories I’ve had here. I am so thankful to have been a Mountaineer for my four years as a student, and I hope that every other student who attends Appalachian State leaves feeling the same way as I do – grateful, prepared and encouraged. For one last time, thank you, Appalachian State.

Sincerely,

A Happy "APPy"