Dear University of South Carolina,

Thank you. Thank you for being so perfect. For being exactly what I needed. For teaching me so much -- both about the world and about myself. I will forever hold you near and dear to my heart.

You brought me the most sincere friends I've ever had. Each day I thank God for these people in my life, and I would never have met them if we hadn't gotten together to attend this University. We're from different corners of the world -- San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Germany -- and you brought us all together. You gave me the exact friends I've been praying for for years.

You challenged me. To be brave and come to school eleven hours from home. To be open-minded as I meet people from all over the nation and world. To be fearless in the pursuit of all of the opportunities this university holds. To never apologize for the unique parts of who I am.

Thank you for game days under a Carolina sky. A unique experience that no one will ever know, unless it's their alma mater. People can pretend that their game day is better than ours or that their fans are better than ours, but the truth is that our loyalty to our school is beyond compare -- win or lose. I know what it's like to be a crazy, wild sports fan now after jumping in the library fountain several times after our victories. Thank you for showing me what that fearless passion is and that bonding with random strangers over your hatred for Clemson is the best feeling in the world.

Thank you for my education. You are full of so many opportunities, and quite frankly the academics are underrated. This university is huge, but you've never made me feel like just a number.

Thank you for being in the most amazing college town I ever could have imagined. Spending my summer in my hometown will make me appreciate the farmer's market, food variety and southern charm of this city even more.

Lastly, USC, thank you for showing me that God has a plan. I was upset at first that I had to go to my second choice school, and now I couldn't imagine spending my undergraduate time anywhere else. I couldn't imagine not being a Gamecock.

Forever to thee,

Leah