To My University,
As a senior I feel like I’ve spent a lot of time looking back, and for good reason. What an exciting time these last four years have been. With late night trips to T-Bell, early morning study sessions before a test and the feeling of pure happiness after turning in an assignment that took forever to finish. Reminiscing on the good, and even the bad times, is a beautiful, often bittersweet experience that leads to hugs and a lot of tissues.
But something you have given me is the ability to look forward, something that used to scare me. In fact, the unknown has always been a real fear for me. I like having a plan and knowing what the future holds, but you taught me that sometimes the best surprises in life are…well, surprises.
Some opportunities can’t be planned.
So thank you for giving me the courage to be bold and take those opportunities when they arose. Thank you for not letting me hold myself back for the fear of failure. Believe me, I have experienced my fair share of failure in my time with you. Now I understand that failure is not something to be ashamed of, but should be celebrated because that means I tried, and I know how to improve for next time.
Thank you for the people. What a wonderful community you offered to help me grow. Never did I feel alone or unimportant to you. I was never just an account number on a computer screen or a number in classroom. I had value and you recognized that in me.
Thank you for my future bridesmaids (you know who you are). Thank you for holding me accountable, in more ways than one. Thank you for teaching me what “business casual” is. Thank you for my confidence (as a woman and as a person). Thank you for teaching me how to be a leader and a follower (both very important roles). Thank you for the memories you have given me and the ones I will make because of you.
If I could go back to the very first day I arrived on your campus and stand next to the girl who was me, I would envy her, as she is about to begin the most exciting journey of her life.
And certainly, I wouldn’t ask her to change a thing.
Sincerely,
Dianne Honan