Fontana J. Frazier

One of the most valuable life lessons I've ever learned has come from my middle school band teacher. It hadn't fully registered until I had to write about it for my intro to writing class in college. Essentially this entire page is inspired by him and a message that has stuck with me all these years. 

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If you have a second, please take the time to read the full story by clicking the button below. 

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Dear Mr. Wolf,

Thank You.

To be honest, this past week has been a lot for me emotionally. As I had my last few days of classes for my Junior year, turned 21, wrapped up a great year of working at the rec, started saying my goodbyes for the summer, had my last presidents round table and Panhellenic Council meeting, I was having many mixed emotions. Although I'm excited for the summer, I was feeling really down on myself. Although I have been quite sick for pretty much this entire spring semester, and there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it, I was upset that the year was ending and that I hadn't yet accomplished every item on my master list of semester goals. I was down upset that I was sick and feeling gross on my birthday. I was overanalyzing almost everything that I did this semester and was subconsciously focusing on the minor flaws or how I could improve whatever it was. I was upset about some friendships that I let go, and some family I wasn't the best about communicating with. And I think I'll stop there because you probably get the picture by now.

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Luckily, I have some absolutely INCREDIBLY amazing, and very caring people in my life. I'm still floored by how I have managed to find and surround myself with people that can, and often choose, to see the best in me when I often cannot. People who remind me of my starfish moments, why I do what I do, and who celebrate the small victories with me along the way. 

I struggle when others give me praise and compliments, but this week has been a friendly (and very necessary) reminder to me that it's ok to take pride in myself, my journey, and my accomplishments every so often.

That it's ok to not have every single item of the master semester goal list completed, because things take time, and at the end of the day I feel really good about the ones that were crossed off, and that's what matters most. Quality over quantity. 

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Taking pride in your journey of life and who you are is not about being boastful or arrogant. I think it's about remembering how far you've come, and looking forward to how far you could go. It's about positive self-reflection and recalling the days when you use to dream about being where you are, and the type of person that you are today. It's about recognizing an accepting all the change in your life, good or bad, and how it has shaped you into who you are today. 

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On that note, I thought I'd share 10 things that I'm proud of from this semester:

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- Building meaningful and intentional relationships with Panhellenic Chapter Presidents

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- Working at the Rec the entire semester no matter how many times my parents recommended I quit

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- Completing two upper division "major" specific courses that are outside of my major 

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- Creating a positive and community center environment in Panhellenic Council meetings 

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- Starting Fontana's Free Coffee Friday's

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- Meeting so many new people on TCU's campus and hearing their stories 

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- Attending as many Greek events as I could regardless of the council or chapter

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- Navigating and supporting my fellow exec members to the best of my ability and adjusting my approach

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- Taking my educational and learner approach with me in every situation that was thrown my way this semester 

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- Finishing my third semester at TCU, and loving it every day almost more than the previous 

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This year I really want to work on perspective, seeing the bigger picture, seeing the good in others, and working to actively spread more light and joy in this world. 

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If you've made it this far I'd like to thank you for your time.

I hope that you got something out of this or that it possibly sparked an idea or a thought in your head. 

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- Fontana

Dear Alexis, 

When I reflect back on our dancing and high school days, and all the moments we've shared together, I can't stop thinking about how supportive of others you've always been. You've always had the ability to give others the support they need to to be able to step out of their comfort zone and try new things. 

Thank you for the endless hugs, many laughs, and your always strong work ethic. I'm so excited to see where you go in this next chapter of your life, and can't wait to see and hear of all the wonderful things you'll do. 

Dear Allie,

Your boundless energy and spunky personality is always a pleasure to be around. Thank you for being so kind and welcoming to me from the second we first met. It was so nice to have some to turn to and annoy with my 8,000 questions about strat comm. Thanks for being the best formal date and being able to handle all my crazy dance moves. Thank you for introducing me to my second love (R Taco) and all the other food places we adventured to. I'm so glad to have met you, I can't wait to hear about London and reunite in the fall! 

Dear Amy,

This thank you is long overdue...  When I first met you, you kind of scared me. Your exuberant personality, zest for life, and go-getter spirit soon became less scary and more and more impressive. What I learned from you the most, is that one must believe and have faith in themselves. 

In more of a confidant than cocky way, you always seemed to believe in and trust yourself. (at least that's how you seemed to outwardly express it) You know that you are human and aren't perfect and that no one else is either. Yet you seem to carry yourself like you have it together and figured out or that even if you don't, that you know you will someday soon. 

That kind of attitude, positivity, and character has taken you pretty far and will continue to for the rest of your life. Thank you for showing me how to have faith in myself and helping me find my first collegiate student leadership position and possible future career path. ily Amy

Dear Annabel, 

Thank you for everything, but especially for having faith in me and helping me to believe in myself. You have made such an impact on my time here at TCU and I wouldn't wish it any other way. Thank you for the endless support, dance parties, life chats, and pushing me to be a better version of myself. Most importantly, thank you for being your genuine self and excepting me for who I am. You are making a world of a difference for so so many incoming students. Your hard work and dedication definitely does not go unnoticed. Never change. 

Dear Audrey, 

Thank you for being one of the sweetest and kindest human beings I've ever met before. Your grace and strength in the face of adversity have inspired me since our early friendship in the Modern Department. Thank you for helping me through that year (dance, greek life, and everything in-between) and bringing joy into my life and many others. 

You truly embrace AXO's "real strong women" motto in more ways than one. I can't even begin to understand how you started battling cancer during your second semester into college, and have continued to thrive and start to bounce back stronger than ever. I cannot wait to continue to see all the great things you will continue to do and achieve. You will be such a good president and role model for your chapter this upcoming year, and I wish you nothing but the absolute best! <3 

Dear Bithell, 

What a sweet soul you have. Your outgoing personality and passion for life inspire me every day. You are so courageous and bold. I love that you truly live your best life and don't mind what others think. You have the amazing ability to make everyone around you feel so welcomed, loved, and cherished. Not to mention you're a hoot and a half, to say the least. Always smiling and making others laugh, your positivity does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being exactly who you are and embracing all aspects of life. I aspire to be more friendly and welcoming like you. 

Dear Cami, 

Thank you for being you, I think we all need a little Cami in our lives. Thanks for being my saving grace, for keeping me in-check, for ranting with me, for enlightening me with powerpoints of information I would have never known before, for the pump up jams, food runs, and binging TV episodes in the basement. Thank you for bringing joy to my life and many others. I regret never saying a proper goodbye, but I'm sure we'll cross paths in the future. I wish you the best of luck at John Hopkins!

Dear Caroline, 

Sweet, Sweet, Caroline, where do I even begin?! Thanks for being such a ray of sunshine in not only my life but in everyone's life that you touch. I have no doubts that your strong work ethic, passion and joy, and deep-seated faith, will carry you very far in life.

I'm sad we no longer live right down the road from each other, but my heart is still full of our many memories together and I know our friendship is the kind that will stand the test of time. I hope to see you soon, sweet pal! 

Dear Caroline, 

Thank you for putting up with me and my antics for the last 5 days. For safely driving through a torrential downpour and my bad navigation. You have such a heart of gold and bring so much light into many peoples lives and to our campus community. Thank you for being genuinely yourself and inspiring others to do the same. ILY Caroline 

Dear Chan, 

This is possibly the worst quality and most cringy picture I'll ever post on this site, but that's ok; because you help remind me to not pay considerable attention to what others think about me.  In the short time, I've known you, you have guided, supported, challenged, and embraced me and my craziness. You are such a selfless and driven individual. You care about the larger picture and are always jumping in to make sure all the little things get taken care of so things run smoothly. I admire how much of a servant leader you are and how much love and care you have for Kappa. I'm glad my Utah friends and working in the kitchen for recruitment brought us closer. Your hard work ethic and ability to bring others together is inspiring to me. Keep living your best life sister because you're a true SUPERSTAR!

Dear Christian,

You are such a selfless and humble leader. Thank you for reminding me to be a more authentic and adaptable person. I'm so glad to know that there are amazing people at TCU like you. You are so loved and valued by not only frog campers but by the TCU community as a whole. Your poise, loving spirit, and ability to start a dance party anywhere and everywhere, is simply amazing. Thank you for being you.

Dear Claire,

Of the many pictures to choose from, I chose this one because we just look so happy and content with those Black Canyon smoothies! Haha, but really, Thank you for all the smoothie dates, your accepting friendship, and for somewhat keeping in touch these last few years (even though I'm terrible at responding). 

Thank you for sticking by my side, showing me the ropes, and making me feel so welcomed so fast at Studio One. I really would have been lost without you. As much as you hate it, and it seems nerve-wracking at times to do new things and talk to new people, that's how our beautiful friendship came to be. Thank you for showing me acceptance and love, in a foreign place, and for putting a smile on so many faces. I cannot wait to hear about your adventure in Colorado and all that you do! 

December 14th is a very sentimental and life-changing day for me.

Read why by clicking the button below!

Sweet child, 

I hope you know how loved you are. You truly are a ray of sunshine spreading happiness and joy everywhere you go. You are so inclusive and caring towards others, and are so kind and welcoming to everyone you meet. I am so so happy to have the honor and privilege of being your big.  Your perseverance and positive outlook on life inspire me every day. You always choose to see the best in people and any given situation. I cannot wait to continue to watch you grow through college and in our sisterhood. I'll always be there for you because I know you'll be there for me too. ILY little. 

Dear Erika,

Thank you for the many, many, many, laughs. I don't think I will ever meet and smarter and wittier person than you. You put a smile on my face, bring joy to my heart and have put cramps in my stomach. Thank you for teaching me the importance of dedication to studying yet having a social balance. 

Our friendship, endless adventures, and many memories together will last with me forever. Lastly, thank you for touching my heart, teaching me more about myself and others, and helping me survive Utah. 

Dear Gia,

I will never, and I mean NEVER forgive you for the time you hit me with a ruler in 4th grade. All jokes and our sometimes aggressive and suddenly violent friendship aside, thank you. As far as I can remember you have been one of my very close friends from the day I moved here. Thank you for sticking it out for the long haul. From our American Girl trips to Chicago, our countless sleepovers, dance recitals and plays, the occasional broken bones, Smiling Dave dance jams,  that time you thought you could just move all the way to Texas in our young teenage years, starting fires in microwaves together, and to graduating high school together, we've really been through it all. Thank you for the years of friendship and laughter, for always challenging me to grow as a person, and for your kind heart. Whether we see each other all the time, or once in a blue moon, I know you'll be a forever friend. 

Dear Hannah, 

I am so so glad I have gotten to know you these past few months. You are such a light in my life and many others. I loved living with you in Hays (and hanging out in the brief times we were actually home at the same times) and struggling through our first semesters as transfers together. I don't know how but you always seem to come into my life at the most perfect times. I'm forever grateful for you, your contagious smile, and sassy humor. I can't wait to see all the wonderful things that you do in this world. Never change sweet pal, never change. 

Dear Ireland,

Even though we didn't really live together freshman year... you were still a decent first roommate because you greatly impacted my life. You truly live your best life and don't care what others think. I love how passionate you are about theater and your future, and it always comes across when you perform. You taught me how to listen and be more open-minded towards others, while still having my own opinion and not needing to always go with the majority. 

For all of that and much more, I'm forever grateful.

Dear Jade,

In the 2 years that we saw each other about five out of the seven days a week, I learned so much from you. Not only about dancing, but about how you carry yourself and who you are as a person. You're willingness to help me learn new choreo in the studio and make the details perfect, always inspired me. I know you always wanted to do your best, but you also wanted the best for the team. You led by example and I looked up to you even though you were a year younger than me. Thank you for being such a great listener and rule follower. Your strong work ethic and strive to be better each day, does not go unnoticed. I hope college is going well, I miss being around you all the time. 

Dear Jamie, 

You were always so sweet and so kind to me. Thanks for letting me use your printer in desperate times, for including me and letting me invite myself along to things, for sharing a love of donuts, being a listening ear, and for dealing with Steph and I living across the hall from ya for a whole semester. 

Your kindness, empathy, and warm heart, spreads like wildfire to the people around you. Thank you for teaching me how to be more patient, loving and careful with my words. Last;y, thank you for all the good you leave on this world. I hope to see you again soon. 

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Dear Jenni,

Thanks for coming into my life and being amazingly you. Your grace, perseverance, and zest for life continues to inspire me every day. I'm so grateful for our friendship, dance party breaks, sunset hikes, and Sonic runs. I can't wait for more memories to come!

Also, side note... I don't know how she does it, because I don't really understand blogging, but Jenni's blog is amazing and I recommend everyone checks it out! 

Dear John Michael Pantlik,

Although our time together was short, you were the one who gave me my first collegiate student leadership position, highering me as an orientation leader. This opportunity has lead me to pursue a future career in Higher Education. I'm so lucky for that experience I had and all that you taught me. 

Dear Jorji,

What amazing light and joy you bring into this world. Your presence, positive attitude and unique outlook on life add so much to every room you step into. Thank you for truly trying to live your best life, and not caring what others think. You have an amazing ability to empower others and inspire people to fearlessly themselves. Not to mention that you're always bringing people together and making sure everyone is having a great time. 

Thank you for your friendship, kindhearted spirit, and lesson along the way. Thank you for helping to teach me how to listen more and value you the uniqueness of others. I just hope you're remembering to take care of yourself as well. I love and miss you dearly. 

Dear Katie,

One of the first times we met, you shared the quote "Bloom where you are planted" with me. Thank you for sharing a quote that opened so many doors, and kept me in Utah longer than I would have lasted. 

Not only this quote but Katie's loving heart and incredible ability to see the best in (or at least how to grow through) every situation in life, inspired me in so many ways. I decided that if I was "planted" in Utah, I was going to make the very best of it and try to "bloom" no matter what. I tried so hard to make it home, by making new friends, getting super involved, even becoming an orientation leader, and gaining residency of the state. Although I ended up leaving in the grand scheme of things, with it all said and done, I wouldn't wish any of it differently. 

Long story short, Katie helped teach me how to make the best of life, through the good times and the bad. For that, I am forever grateful.  

Dear Kelly, 

 Thank you for being an inspiration in my life. In the brief time that we spent together in the studio training and rehearsing, or at competitions  and conventions and performances, you impacted my life. I saw how hard you worked and how passionate you were. Your flexibility wasn't given, you worked for it. Your strength and grace were not easy, you worked for it. You worked with and for everything you had, to be the best that you could be each day. 

Thank you for your outstanding work ethic and perseverance, your continued passion for dance that has stayed with you through college, and your grace. You have always carried yourself with great poise and always want the best for others. Thank you for inspiring me to live a more joyful, passionate and driven life. 

Sweet Kelsie,

What an interesting ride we've had together. From being one of my first friends at swoop camp and the first part of freshman year to losing touch and sort of going our separate ways, and then working together and reconnecting the following summer. 

Through it all, I have learned so much about friendship and how I treat others. I also learned that we were meant to have that course of friendship and be reconnected later. Thank you for helping to expand my mind and perception of the world and its people, and thank you for being a sweet friend and an awesome coworker along the way. 

Dear Kenzie, 

What a light in my life you have been all these years. I forever grateful for you and all you have taught me. For putting up with me for so many summers, my inability to operate a cash register, my lack of enthusiasm about folding t-shirts, and my over-enthusiasm about tent sales and surprise bags, the list goes on and on.  Through it all, you were nothing less than absolutely supportive and encouraging to not only me but everyone else around you. I admire your grace and zest for life, being at your wedding in October of 2018 was an experience I'll never forget. See everything come full circle and to fruition and watching you marry the love of your life was so so special. It feels like it was just yesterday when were listening to the country pandora radio station while folding shirts or labeling tags and a particular song would come on and you talk about it would be a part of your wedding someday. Witnessing that 6 years later was truly special. I love you Kenzie girl, and I can't wait to see the amazing things this next chapter of your life brings you!

O Radke,

Thank you for our many lunch dates and always listening to me rant about anything and everything. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me and for living your best life. Thank you for helping me see the larger picture and teaching me to let the little things roll off my back. I admire the strength and perseverance you have on the pursuit to live your best life. You truly are a world changer and are going to do amazing things in your life. I'm lucky to know you and hope to see you again soon someday. 

Dear Leota,

I think that I'll always know you as the girl who asked PNM's about french fries during recruitment, the best eight-day roommate I had in the summer of 2017, and most importantly the girl that is courageously and confidently herself. 

Forever grateful for your kind hospitality, letting me live in your house and dealing with my excess stuff when my life as going 25 different directions, and always being able to make me laugh. Keep living your best life, because the world needs more genuine and humble people like yourself. 

Sweet Little Macy, 

Thank you for being you. Your passion, drive, and amazing work ethic make me look up to you even though you are years younger than me. Those amazing qualities will take you so far in life no matter what you decide to do or become. You are also so kind, loving, and inclusive and it shows every day. Thank you for your endless positivity and zest for life. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you accomplish in life! 

Dear Maggie, 

Wow, I miss you. I know we didn't have the smoothest friendship,(we definitely had many peaks and valleys)  but I learned through it all, and don't wish it any other way. I still vividly remember taking your picture after beta breakfast and then basically inviting myself to go Phi Delt with you that night. I've forever glad that I had that brief moment of courage. Your outgoing personality, kindness, and welcoming spirit made my time in Utah more enjoyable. You always seemed to know everyone no matter if we were just studying in the lib, eating at the HC, or going out. Your friendliness always filled the room and people are naturally drawn to you. Thank you for holding me accountable for my actions and words, showing the difference of intent versus impact, and making me a more open-minded person. I'm so glad to have met you and to have called you one of my very close friends. I hope to reunite soon. 

Dear Megan, 

O gosh, I miss you dearly. I can't believe all that we've been through in the short time of knowing each other. You have the amazing ability to radiate positivity, and everyone around you knows it. I admire your selflessness and your ability always make others feel welcomed and loved. Thank you for all the hugs, tears, strategic planning, spontaneous adventures, food runs, intermural canoe battleship, walks around the neighborhood, drives in your car, trips to Ted Bundy's, anything else I'm forgetting, and most importantly, your friendship. I definitely couldn't have survived my time out in Utah without you!  You taught me so much and I'm so glad to have you in my life. I can't wait till we reunite one day. 

Dear Michelle, 

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It's no secret that you're awesome, or that I think the world of you. But wow, what an incredible human you are. Thank you for struggling through Frog Camp with me. Thanks for the cuddles, the chats, the craziness and most of all, for putting up with me and letting me force my friendship on you.

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You have touched my heart, inspired me, and showed me that I am valued and loved. For all of that and much more, I am truly grateful. The world needs more amazing humans like you.

Dear Miranda,

I can't thank you enough for your friendship, your kind heart, and wise insight on life. Thank you for keeping me grounded, lifting my spirit, always being down for a chat, supporting me and the things I'm passionate about, and always making me feel welcomed. Your humble leadership, selflessness, and strive for the greater good of society have greatly impacted me. Thank you for being such a great role model in my life. 

Dear Morgan, 

One of my biggest regrets in life is not forcing you to be my friend sooner... Thank goodness Gordy's brought us together. I couldn't imagine my life without you today. From the many lake walks, majestic hikes, family outings, and game nights, I wouldn't wish to call anyone else my best friend. Thank you (most importantly) for your patience, I honestly don't know how you handle me sometimes. Thank you for your friendship and hanging out with me during the brief times I am home. Thank you for pushing me to strive to be the best version of myself. Lastly, thanks for moving down the street!

Dear Paige, 

I feel like we've known each other forever. From being neighbors to ditching school to carpool to Nutcracker rehearsals and shows together, the endless culvers sco0pie tokens, boat days, and breakfast dates. 
 

The time has really flown by, and the distance has started to wear, but we've always been the friends that can pick it right back up like we haven't missed a beat. Thank you for staying true to yourself and following your passions, and of course for the endless childhood memories. I wish you nothing but the best as you head off to college, and can't wait to see more fashion designs, clothing articles, and dance combs! 

Dear Paris,

I'm pretty sure that I just forced you to be my friend after figuring out that you could do a cartwheel... haha.  Thank you for all the sweet memories, Canadian Adventures, and your beautiful soul. You have a heart of GOLD and are so kind and loving towards others. You light up the room and always have the power to make others feel welcomed. Life is definitely trying and difficult at times, but you've always seemed to be the kind of person that bounces back the fastest and I've always admired that about you. 

PATTON!!!

Wow wow wow, what a gem of a human you are! I'm so glad to have been able to watch you grow in a student leadership position this summer. You spark so much joy and radiate positivity to others around you. You add a lot to not only frog camp, but to our campus community. Your perseverance through hard times and driven personality continue to inspire me day after day. Thank you for being the amazing human that you are. ILY Patton

Dear Rylyn, 

I think one of my earliest memories of you is when we had ballet together for the first time many summers ago... You were so so sunburnt, I questioned how you were still alive, your navy blue halter Leo dug into your sunburn on your neck pretty badly and somehow were only slightly fazed by it at the time. 

From that example, and the many other situations we ran into, or that I have witnessed you face, I have come to know how resilient of a person you are. Thank you for teaching me to be strong in the face of adversity and for always putting a smile on my face. Best of luck as you head off to college this fall, I cannot even begin to imagine all the great things you'll achieve. 

Dear Schuyler,

Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times over. I simply cannot express how grateful I am to have had you as my Frog Camp Co. Your selflessness, goofy spirit, and loving personality really helped me through the week. I cannot believe that you voluntarily gave up another week in your summer, to fly out to Fort Worth to be my Co, and help enrich the TCU experience for incoming students at Frog Camp Cultura. 

I think so so highly of you. Your way of stepping up into the returner position to help prep and coach me through things was absolutely fantastic. You never talked down to me, shut out my ideas, or showed worry or distrust in my facilitation potential. Thank you for the endless support, encouragement, pep talks, fist bumps, and faith in me. You are going to achieve amazing things and I can't wait to see all that you do. Forever grateful for you, I really truly couldn't have survived without you.

Dear Sierra, 

You have radiant joy and a heart of gold. You taught me so much about people and life when we worked together as Orientation Leaders last summer. One of the most important things I learned from you, for some reason took me until a while after our time working together. 

That lesson was that you don't let societal norms stop you from what you want to do and achieve. You carve your own path and do whats right for you regardless of what is deemed "normal" which takes immense strength, courage, and persistence in the face of adversity. 

Thank you for inspiring me and many others, for your friendship, and the joy you spread in the world. 

Dear Steph, 

Maybe I'll change the picture to a better one but maybe not... Anyway, thank you for being one of the best roommates I've ever had. I remember being so scared to be your roommate because you definitely hated me before we were roommates. (It was probably my fault for calling you out for not actually being from Chicago) But that semester brought us so much closer than I ever thought it would have. 

From the endless food dates, stupid arguments, Steph quotes of the day, our weekly rants, crafting and decorating, and many naps, I wouldn't change a thing about it. I'd like to apologize for not being in the best space most of the back half of the semester, and hope you know it was never because of you. 

Thank you for your love and care, for teaching me to be more open to second chances and forgiving others. Thank you for balancing my crazy with your chill and for making room 8 the most extra room in the house with me. You'll always have a special place in my heart. ily Steph from the Suburbs  ;) 

What a time it was to get to live together for 3 months! Thank you all for the crazy shenanigans, food experiments, and many laughs. Thank you for encouraging me to embrace change, be more easygoing, and most importantly helping me survive working as an orientation leader. We'd have days where we would all have a sit-down breakfast before the day, and others where would pound on each other's doors to make sure we'd make it on time.   We're the most mixed bag of nuts out there, but I think that's why it worked out so well! Thanks for being the best "random" roommates for those 3 months, and for always bringing me my name tag, speaker, extra suckers, granola bars, and everything else I always seemed to forget. Lastly, thanks for being such a big part of my best summer ever.   

Dear Sydney, 

Thank you for living your life with such passion and joy that it radiates on to others. I remember meeting you at orientation when our parents had met briefly in Parent orientation, and we had to sit through that dreaded housing meeting together. Never did I think our circles would cross paths as many times as they did, But I'm so happy that they did. 

I came to learn how hard you work for the things you're passionate about, and how resilient you are in the face of adversity. You are walking proof that if you set your heart t and mind on something, and really put in the effort, nothing is impossible. Thank you for continuing to inspire me to go after my dreams, never give up when it gets difficult, and do what makes me happy. 

Dear Tana,

Thanks for being my first friend at the University of Utah, and teaching me so much about life and friendship. I couldn't have gotten through my first year of college or survived my time as a dance major without you. Thanks for embracing my craziness, letting me be your mom at times, and most importantly, always being unapologetically yourself. I can't wait to see all the amazing things you do in life, and I hope to see you again in the near future.

The Cheese Box is a  small little place in my small little town that brings joy to many. It's a Wisconsin classic that specializes in selling many different kinds of cheese, tacky nik-naks, domestic beer, and sandwiches. This little shop will always have a special little place in my heart. For myself and my family, The Cheese Box has become a family tradition of sorts. Almost every break when I  come home from college, there is at least one stop at the cheese box. Something about this special little place, its locally sourced products, the workers that practically know our orders by heart, chitchat with my mom, and the tradition that my family has created around such a place, always makes me feel at home. If you're ever in Lake Geneva, I recommend stopping by to check it out and see for yourself. 

Dear ladies,

Thank you for proving to me that good friendships can stand the test of time. We all eventually went our separate ways from being elite gymnasts with washboard abs (ahh the glory days) but I'll forever look forward to our yearly Mexican food dinner together. Thank you, moms, for staying friends all these years and continuously bringing us together out of the gym.

My childhood memories are filled with carpooling to meets together while my mom did someone's hair in the back seat, getting halfway to practice and frantically calling Allie to see if she could being Kaz or I a leotard because we somehow forgot one again. I'll never forget the supportive environment our mothers fostered and how we encouraged each other through this torturous sport for years. Thank you all, for pushing me to get new skills and try my absolute best every time. I couldn't imagine my time as a gymnast without all of you. 

Dear Tim, 

Thank you for being an amazing Co. I had so so so much fun at frog camp with you! Your ability to look out for campers and seek genuine connections is amazing. You are so trustworthy and honest with everyone you meet. Thank you for teaching me to be a more patient and kind person. You have touched my heart and made me feel valued and appreciated. Keep believing in yourself because you're an amazing human being. 

Dear Mr. Huff,

You were my funny golf coach, inspiring and passionate teacher, the best storyteller, and the teacher that put up with me through all my teenage high school years. I cannot thank you enough for all that you taught me in the classroom, on the course, and about life.

I really do believe that your all of your marketing class, practices and tournaments, and DECA meetings helped me become the person I am today. You helped prepare me for interviews and the projects we did in your class helped me get a little bit of “real world” experience in high school. I couldn’t thank you enough for your class, and now I guess it finally clicked that all the boring stuff or big projects with short turnaround timeframes, were completely worth it. I may have disliked them then, but now I really appreciate the skills I gained from everything you taught us and had us do.

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From the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

Dear Todd, 

Thank you for your friendship, for letting me bombard your house in Carson City for three days, for always staying in the lab so late at orientation, for summer pool days and crazy adventures, for helping me move countless loads of stuff with your truck when no one else could help me move, for introducing me to Dutch Bros, the Salt Flats, Lake Taho, and your homemade french toast...            I think you get it, I could go on and on. 

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Lastly, (to sum it all up) thank you for being one of the most selfless people I've ever known. You have such an amazing work ethic and, care so deeply about the people that are close to your heart and the ones that are just around you in your everyday life, equally as much. I'm so grateful to have had you in my life, and I know so many more feel the same. 

Dear Tylar, 

Although it's oversaid and probably loses value, you truly are a role model for me and many others. #tylartherolemodel  Thank you for your endless wisdom, support, and guidance. In our short time together you showed me what it meant to be Kappa, thrive in school, and make the best of life. You are such an amazing critical thinker fully think thing through before acting. (Something I could definitely do better at... instead of taking $1,000 L's) 

I think the most important thing you have taught me is that "it doesn't matter". Life's too short and precious to sweat the small stuff. I spent too much of my time caring about things that seemed urgent and pressing at the time but really would not matter in 6 months, a year, or 25 years later in life. Thank you for teaching me how to care a little less without being careless. 

Honestly, I could write a whole essay about this state, this school, and my experience in my short year and a half spent in Utah. But to keep it brief, I must share that although I ended up transferring and leaving Utah, this place had a profound effect on me. 

I met some of the most incredible people, created many memories, shared a lot of laughs and tears, and learned so so much about my self and what I want to do with my life. Although it didn't work out for the long run, I think I was meant to have had my little experience in Utah. It caused me to grow so much as a person, lose my self, and find myself all over again and again.

Utah is a beautiful place where I met some of the most incredible people whom I will always love and cherish no matter how far away life takes me.  Forever grateful for these pals (and many not pictured) that make me want to be a better human each and every day.