Freshman year of college is easily one of the most terrifying, yet exciting years of your life. It takes a lot of guts to step outside of your dorm and introduce yourself to complete strangers. I had huge expectations that I would find "my people" sometime in college. However, as an out of state student who did not know a soul, it was incredibly intimidating. How would I ever narrow down the 50,000 students on my campus to a small group of close-knit friends? After months of forcing awkward conversations at parties, sorority recruitment, and resident hall outings, I finally found my people. Although it is unbelievably difficult to put into words how thankful I am for each of you, I will do my best...
First, thank you for making college my new home. I'll admit that I had a terrible case of homesickness, and between wanting to go home every other weekend and nightly FaceTime dates with my family, you all somehow still managed to involve me and take care of me. I never thought I’d survive freshman year, and had high hopes of moving back home; that was until I met you. I cannot express how grateful I am that you accepted me for exactly who I was and the place I came from. I have never been surrounded with such positive souls in my life. The constant reassurance that everything is always going to be okay completely changed me.
Thank you for forcing me to step outside of my comfort zone. In just a matter of months, you helped transform me into a social butterfly. Between doing my makeup, letting me wear your clothes, and taking me out, my circle has grown as well with my confidence. Thank you for always offering to involve me, even when you know the answer will be "no". Feeling included is something everyone struggles with, however, with you as my friends I have never felt left out for even a moment.
Thank you for keeping me motivated and driven. My grades and passion for my education has never been so immense. On mornings when I just wanted to keep the shades pulled, you pulled me out of bed and dragged me to the gym. On nights when I just wanted to put on Netflix and sleep, you pulled me out of my room and dragged me to the library. Being surrounded with people who support all of my passions and dreams has pushed me to always move forward confidently.
Thank you for always being a kind shoulder to cry on. From breakups to breakdowns, I could always count on movie theater butter popcorn and movies to keep me sane. Thank you for letting me vent my heart out and listening to me complain about silly things. I know I tad to be a little overdramatic, so thank you for accepting that too.
Thank you for all being so different, yet so accepting. Being surrounded with such diverse friends has opened my mind and allowed me to accept things not only about myself, but about others as well. It has allowed me to be more honest with myself to who I am as a person, and I can truly say that you have all helped me love "me".
For the rest of my life, I will ever be so grateful that I will always be able to look back at my college years and feel nothing but euphoria. Memories like riding with the windows down in the morning listening to Disney soundtracks, or cliff diving at sunset, or even just sitting out at the Starbucks patio people-watching will always be so close to my heart. It is so incredibly special to me that I can truly say that I fell in love with my best friends before all else. I am eternally thankful and I cannot wait to grow old with each of you.
Thank you.
