Number Thirteen

At the risk of sounding cliche... where did the time go? Was it really 9 months ago that I was moving in to my dorm room, with butterflies in my stomach? Was it really 9 months ago that I didn't know anybody here and wasn't sure where I would find my place? It seems like yesterday. I can remember those feelings so well. But even though I can remember all of the emotions and thoughts, I have experienced so much growth in these 9 months. I have learned to be comfortable with myself and to seek time to be by myself and contemplate what is going on in my life. I have learned to ask others for help when I am struggling and to find people to keep me accountable. I have learned how to really prioritize... and I have reconsidered what should be at the top of that priority list. I have learned that so many opportunities will arise in my life but not all of them are for me. I have learned to chase my dreams and follow my heart, because that will most often lead to good things.

So before I start packing up my room, I want to say some things to the people who have filled my year, chapter 1 of my college years, with good memories and laughs. You guys have taught me so much. I had no idea that I would meet people that I know will be in my life for the rest of my life so soon, but the friendships I have made amaze me everyday. I know now the true meaning of best friends because I have had such good examples here. I've watched a lot of movies, eaten a lot of fast food, stayed up way too late too many times, and been silly with you guys and have loved every second of it. But it's more than that. That stuff is the easy stuff, the fun stuff. You know you have true friends when they talk to you about the hard stuff. When someone cares about you enough to express concerns or give advice, you know its a bond that goes deeper than the average friendship. God has blessed me with people who have done this for me, and I hope that I have done that for them.

I am ready for classes to be done and I am ready to relax by the pool in the sun... but I don't feel ready to leave. I will miss my friends. Oddly, I will miss my dorm room. I will miss seeing all of the people who have helped shape who I am becoming. I am ready for summer, but I will miss you all!
I love you!