Penn State, Class of 2018
There’s the old saying “you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone,” but I knew all along. I knew Penn State was my fresh start, a place where I could meet people like me, and better yet, even meet people unlike me. It was my place to grow, mature, and find myself. It was my home and will always be a huge part of who I am today and my best four years.
Penn State, thank you. For the memories, for the people who became my family, for the experiences I would not trade for the world and I know would not have been possible without you. The connections I made with friends and even faculty alike, go beyond the surface and will be everlasting. I couldn’t go too long without mentioning how we were living in this ideal microcosm of only students, Penn State students, all around the same age. What an incredible reality it was. To study, eat, drink, pass time, party, dance, explore, grow up, live, all together.
Penn State, thank you, for bringing me lifelong friends. Happy Valley brought me forever friends who will be by my side when I say “I do,” who will be the godparents of my future children, who will go through life with me, all of the ups and downs. No distance can break these bonds and no amount of time will weaken our friendships and for that, I am so grateful because there is no bond quite like a Penn State bond.
Penn State, thank you for bringing me my best friend. Some might say I met you a year too late, but I feel like I met you at just the right time. I am grateful to have had three years and counting of memories, new adventures, and living life to its fullest. Not to be dramatic and say you saved me, but you did. You bring out the best in me, you shine light everywhere you go, and you are the optimism, hope, faith, and happiness in my life that I was missing for so long. I pray for a navy and white wedding and a little Winston of our own someday, because our love extends beyond any distance or time and every obstacle and I know our future will be beautiful.
Penn State, thank you for helping me to grow into the emerging professional that I am today. Being three weeks away from my very first full-time job, I am both uneasy, and reluctant, yet prepared and confident in how far I have come. I have seen a positive change in myself, in my confidence, in my personality, and in my leadership abilities. I am humbled by the awards and experiences I have had the opportunity to accept and pursue, all thanks to the school that supported me, saw potential in me, and believed in me, even when I did not believe in myself.
Penn State, thank you. (and a special shout out to my mother who believed in me and gave up everything to make my Penn State dream a reality. I owe it all to you mom. I love you infinity xo.)
“Some day, these will be the good old days All the love you won't forget And all these reckless nights you won't regret Someday soon, your whole life's gonna change You'll miss the magic of these good old days.”
WE ARE, and always will be.
