I have officially finished my first semester of college and that's kind of a weird thing to think about. Just yesterday, my parents were dropping me off at Bradley in August. But, now all my finals are finished, grades posted, and I'm back home relaxing before the next semester begins. Looking back, I feel like there are a few "thank you's" in order because there's no way this semester would have been as great as it was without some key people.

To my parents,

I would not be here without you. It has been your love and encouragement that has helped me chase my dreams, and get to where I am. There has never been a moment in my life where you've not supported what I want to do, and I'm so thankful for that. I hope that one day when I have children, I'm able to help, love, and support them as much as you have for me over the last 18 years. I l love you more than words can say.

To my brother,

I've seen how hard you've worked over the last few years, in school and at work, and it's inspired me to be as hardworking as you. You've been my closest friend and confidante throughout childhood, and I'm so happy we're still close. You continue to be one of my biggest inspirations. I love you, bro.

To my Bradley friends,

Wow. Never would I have dreamed that I would have such a close group of friends just a semester into college. I am beyond blessed to have all of you, and thank my lucky stars that you're in my life. To Alyson, Mackenzie, Claudia, Dylan, Joseph, Miles, Josh, Maddi, to my STARs friends, and everyone else who I've become close with over the last few months, thank you. You have filled my life with so much joy and so much fun, and I am so thankful for all of you.

To my fellow Fellows,

At the risk of sounding cliche, thank you for being the best family possible. You truly are my second family. You're my go-to people for advice, for friendship, and for mentorship. You are the most wonderful group of humans I've ever been allowed to be a part of, and thank you for welcoming me with such open arms. To my freshman Fellows, you are my first and closest friends at Bradley and words can't describe how lucky I feel to be friends with all of you.

To my friends back home,

Even though we don't see each other every day, your friendship still means the world to me. The FaceTime calls and handwritten letters always make me so happy. But, the coffee dates or shopping trips when we're back together mean so much too. The fact that we're able to keep our friendship alive while we're gone is amazing, and thank you for being supportive even when we're apart. You're always there for me, and I always try to be there for you (even if it's not geographically there for you).

To my wonderful RAs,

I love you both so much. I could have had terrible RAs who never talk or interact with us, but that wasn't the case. You both are so fun and I would not have been nearly as well adjusted to school if it weren't for you. You make all of the girls on our floor so happy, and you guys are just the bomb.

To my teachers,

I would never have expected to have been so close with some of my college professors, especially just after one semester. But none the less, I've had some of the greatest academic experiences over the last semester. It has helped so much knowing you care about me personally, in addition to academically. You want me to succeed as much as I do, and that means so much. Thank you for all you've done.

To everyone else who has supported me this semester,

There are too many of you to name, but you know who you are. Your endless love and well-wishes are so encouraging and have kept me going this entire semester. There is no doubt that I'll need more of it in the semester to come, too. It is so comforting to know I'm constantly surrounded by people who care about me and my future. I try my hardest to exude the same support and love to others around me. You're all an inspiration to me and I can't believe how lucky I got to have such incredible people in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.