Dear Bucknell,
As my time quickly comes to an end the only words that seem appropriate are thank you. The past four years here have single handedly been the most important, exciting, and happiest years of my life thus far.
Thank you for being my home where I felt so safe and welcome at all times. After countless nights on the second floor of Bertrand, meals in the Bison, and hours sitting in my friends’ dorm rooms, this campus truly feels like home. As a result, I have been able to grow, mature, and enjoy myself so much.
Thank you for providing me with the most brilliant and caring professors. I will never forget my Political Economics professor walking me through problem set after problem set in his office or all the times I went to my professors for advice on subject matter that had nothing to do with class. They have taught me so much and have given me more knowledge than I could ever thank them for.
Thank you for pushing me outside my comfort zone so many times – socially and academically. Every presentation, every group project, every cumulative final that I stressed about has helped me become a better worker and prepared me for the future. I remember getting on the plane to go abroad with the biggest pit in my stomach. In my four months in Prague, never have I been so uncomfortable, scared, and yet so incredibly happy at the same time. So, thank you for providing me with the experience of a lifetime.
Thank you for introducing me to the most amazing and extraordinary people. I have never been a part of an environment with such intelligent, motivated, and kind people before. The relationships I have developed and the friends I have made have truly been a defining part of my four years. I learned a lot in the classroom and through extracurriculars, but my friends were the ones who taught me how to be a kind, caring, and just-all-around good person. Thank you to all my friends for being there for me unconditionally, always making me laugh, and making Bucknell such a wonderful place.
When I think of the person I was when I drove into Bucknell four years ago, it is as if I don’t even know who she is. And that is such a great thing. Bucknell has given me the tools to grow and mature, and I am so prepared for the next chapter in my life. Even as prepared as I may be, I am still terrified and so sad to be leaving this amazing place that I have called home for four years. I will miss everything from the people, the parties, the classes, the trees in the fall, the Bison candy bar, the sunsets, laying on the quad, the East Reading Room, the Freez and so, so much more. But, I feel so incredibly fortunate to have had such a perfect college experience. Thank you Bucknell for everything you have done for me and given me. I am forever grateful.
In the words of A. A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
All my love,
Olivia