Dear NKU,

Even though I've only been here for a year, you have changed my life for the better. Coming to college here was an easy fix and I was always told that college would change me. I was scared. I didn't know what kind of changes would occur but boy did I need them.

You broke me out of my shell. In high school, I didn't hold a lot of leadership positions. I was content with the ones I had and I thrived in them. Coming to college, I felt the drive to take on more. I saw how students were able to juggle being involved in so much and how they thrived. I wanted to be that student. I wanted to be more than a college student who goes to class and then back to her dorm.

Just in one year, I have taken on being a leader in my sorority, a leader in The Odyssey, a residential assistant and my grades have been the best they have ever been. The girl I was five years ago wouldn't recognize the me I am now. It's all thanks to you, NKU.

You've given me the most amazing support system. I never feel alone because of the people I have met here. I feel like I am valued as a person. I feel like my opinion matters. You've given me a new voice that I never knew I had.

Thank you for pushing me out of my shell. Thank you for introducing me to some of the most amazing people in the world. Thank you for teaching me how to be strong. I can't wait for what you will teach me the next two years.