I can't believe that four years have passed and I am standing on the other side of my college experience a graduate. It seems like only yesterday I was a wide-eyed and confused freshman wondering around campus trying desperately to fit in and make a good impression. In these past four years I have met some wonderful people who have impacted my life in ways that I could have never imagined. I have laughed with these people and cried with these people. I have experienced some of the most devastating and most joyous moments of my life with these people. And sitting here on my couch less than a week after graduating, I'm not sure how I'm going to go through the rest of my life not seeing them on a regular basis. So in honor of these special people, I would like to make some shout out in this post.
I would like to say how much I appreciated my freshman roommate, Jaime. Although we may not have been the best of friends while we were living together, she was an awesome roommate and is and awesome friend. She was there for me when my dad died and when I got sick. She threw a birthday part for me our sophomore year of college while I was in the midst of my health crisis. She loved me through my break-up with my long-time boyfriend. She watched hours of American's Next Top Model with me on Saturdays when motivation was scarce. For all these things and more I want to thank her.
I want to give a shout out to Mara. Living with you the first half of sophomore year was amazing and I don't think I could have made it without you. You made me laugh through everything, even throwing up red Jell-o every morning. You were a bright spot in my life during one of the darkest times and I am so grateful for you. I simply don't know what I would have done without you.
I want to thank my BFF. I am so happy that you are in my life. I simply don't know how I would have made it through my year at MSSU without and all our crazy antics. From facebooking in class to Friday night wine nights, we have made the best of everything. I really hope I find a job in Joplin so we can nest together and have the most amazing year ever!
I want to thank my current roommate (well, I guess not current as of two days ago... that's really depressing), Shane. He has brought love and laughter into my life all year long and I cannot thank him enough for it. At times he has caused frustration (grilled cheese down the garbage disposal, for instance) but all those minor frustrations are erased by all the love he gave me: flowers, washing the dishes, putting up with my random throwing up, and my general craziness. He reminded me how awesome it was to have a roommate and how wonderful it feels to be loved and appreciated. For these things and so many more I thank him!
I also want to thank Liz for being such a fantastic friend this year! Running around Kirksville and Truman taking names and kicking ass was pretty spectacular this year! So thanks for being my partner in crime and freaking out about: grades, grad school, Windfall, the GRE, and the future in general. I can't wait to see what the next phase in life has in store for us!
And finally, I want to thank my woman, Taylor. Girl, you have been there since 4th grade. There are absolutely no words that can describe my love for you. I suppose the best thing that describes our relationship would be our trip to Target earlier this week. I can't wait to be in your wedding and to see all the wonderful things that life will bring your way.
Once again, thank you all so much for making my college experience spectacular.
