With the school year coming to a close, I have come to realize all of the amazing things that took place during my first year at SMU. My cup runneth over and I'm thankful for so many things.

Thank you, SMU, for placing people in my life to worship with. I am so blessed to find people my age who share the same beliefs as me. This year taught me self-discipline and to be strong in difficult times.

Thank you, SMU, for blessing me with college sports. I'm so glad that I can stop going to high school games and start cheering for my own team.

Thank you, SMU, for being a literal postcard that I get to live in and take pictures of every day.

Lastly, thank you, SMU, for the friends that I made so many memories with this year. This has made choosing future bridesmaids a little harder.

To prove that SMU actually is as great as I make it sound, here are some other students who are thankful for what SMU has given them.

"Thank you, SMU, for encouraging me to dream big!" - Jolie Guz, Class of 2019, Creative Advertisement

"Thank you, SMU, for providing me with countless opportunities to succeed and exposing me to what the world has to offer. The friendships that I have made at this university are sure to last a lifetime. Thank you, SMU, for a great first year!" - Dele Faulkner, Class of 2019, Biology

"Thank you, SMU, for giving me friends who are loving and welcomed me when I didn't know anyone else." - Annalise Hays, RUF Intern

"Thank you, SMU, for making a transfer student finally feel at home. I will forever be appreciative for all of the friends and connections I've made here, as well as how effortless my transition was here. Cheers to one more year!" - Cynthia McLaughlin, Class of 2017, Journalism and Fashion Media

"Thank you, SMU, for broadening my horizons and presenting me with a world of opportunity." - Timothy Russom, Class of 2019, Business

"Thanks, SMU, for the free beer on the boulevard." - Misty Yuan, Class of 2016, Engineering Management and Information System

"Thank you, SMU, for being a beautiful place to live and learn." - Sabrina Janski, Class of 2016, Accounting

From all the students, thank you, SMU, for an awesome centennial year!