thank you.

Countdown to Graduation: 3 days.

I've been crazy sentimental in the past few days about graduation. To be honest, I'm not sure why. I always knew I would graduate -- that was expected but what I didn't forsee is the finish line. The line that we cross at graduation that marks the next chapter. The reality is, we are all going our separate ways. During my commute to campus and to work the past few weeks, I would catch tears welling up in my eyes because I slowly came to this realization. The past four years have been ridiculous -- good times, bad times, hills and valleys, heartbreak, betrayal, isolation, times of joy, and celebration. The spectrum of emotions, they were all hit at some point. 

I have a lot of people to thank in the past four years. College wasn't about learning -- no way. If anything, college was all about creating these relationships, investing in the lives of others, and being invested in. I didn't necessarily learn in my classes. The life long lessons that I learned were from my peers. They inspired me in unimaginable ways. So, I'd like to say...

Dear ...

Mom and Dad: We didn't always agree on everything and I'm not the easiest person to deal with and I know that. But, thank you. Thank you thank you thank you. I don't think I said that enough in the past four years....nor will I ever. You both worked hours on end and put me through college. These four years have been the toughest on us all, but especially the both of you. I could never thank you enough for the opportunities that you've given me and for allowing me to find my own way. You gave me space to make decisions for myself while still being there every step of the way to provide the advice that I needed. I'm going to do the best that I can to make you proud parents.

Whitney: Haha, where do I even begin? Thinking back now, I don't think that I ever imagined our friendship to be where it is today. Everything changed the first night I met you. You've been there through everything and were that shoulder to cry on. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you for being honest with me. Thank you for keeping me accountable. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for chasing after me and making me open up when something was killing me. Thank you for being the friend that I needed the most in college. I'm so crazy blessed to have you in my life. And, I'm thanking you in advance for the times that you will be there for me in the future. 

Kendall: All that I want to say to you personally is in that card en route to California. You are such an inspiration and a role model to me. Through the caffeine and craze of life, you have continually supported me -- cheering me on from the sideline. You may not know it, but you have influenced many of the decisions that I have made in the last 3 years that I've known you. College wouldn't have been the same without you. I could not be more proud to call you my Big. SERIOUSLY. 

Lesley: How is it that we are here now? Can you believe all that we have been through in the last four years? From meeting in Leonard 5 to now. We've experienced our first internships together, the ridiculous stories, crazy professors, sleepless nights spent on marketing plans, brunch priorities, dreams of the future, study abroad, Snowmageddon, endless amounts of cupcakes, and all things in between. Now -- graduation. I'm so proud of you Lesley and you have been the person who pushes me. The one who has allowed me to dream big. You are headed towards incredible things. I can't wait to see you writing the Editor's Note in Glamour in a few years. 

Kelsey L.: BFFR. One of my greatest regrets in college is not spending more time together. The best thing though is that no matter how much time has passed without seeing one another, when we do grab a 30-minute coffee date, it's as though no time has passed. We pick up right where we started and snark away. You my dear, are so incredibly strong. THE strongest person that I know. I'm so thankful for the mini text messages full of encouragement that have been sent in the past four years. Where would we be if we hadn't met that Thursday night...in front of Kay...while you were on your cellphone...offering me a cookie? I don't even want to think about the possibility of never meeting!

Strong Fam: So much has happened but no matter what, we put it all aside. The tears and the laughter? That's what creates a family.


love always,
Karen