"Learning is beautiful." - Natalie Portman

Dear College,

The summer after my senior year of high school, I had no desire to go to college. To leave my family, my boyfriend, my job, my dog, none of that sounded appealing to me. But much to my surprise, college quickly became the best thing that ever happened to me, for many reasons.

First, the campus. It’s tough to walk around in all black and leather and act like you do not love nature, and yet that is how I spent most of high school. After the first week, I fell in love with my campus. Taking walks and photos of the most hidden gems of campus, of nature in all it’s glory, has been an aspect of college I never knew I was going to fall in love with.

Second, the atmosphere. There is ALWAYS something to do on a college campus. I assumed that being part of a small community there would be just a few small events going on. From petting therapy dogs, to listening to Michael Brown’s father speak, this campus always has something, or twenty ‘somethings’ going on.

Third, the life skills. Being in college for less than a year, I never would have thought I would acquire vital life skills that would help me in being an adult. From dealing with numerous eye appointments by myself after a horrible injury, and dealing with the repercussions of insurance claims following a car accident, to just balancing studying and time with my friends, college is all about time management.

Finally, the people. I expected to go into this whole new place thing with no friends. Go in, study, get a degree, get out. I found the best people of my life here. Each one of you know who you are, and each one of you have made this experience one I cannot thank you enough for. From the laughs, tears, staying up late singing and dancing, staying up late shoving ice cream in our faces trying to finish a project, I have enjoyed ever second of it. I have learned so much about love, acceptance, and the fact that friends are everywhere, in the least expected places, at college. Never doubt the kid who sits behind you on the first day of classes and judges your big handwriting, they may become your best friend.

So, thank you college. For making me a better person. For teaching me that I am going to succeed with hard work. For teaching me that family is wonderful, something you truly only learn through missing them. For teaching me that your best friends are not always the ones you have known the longest. Thank you.