An Open Letter

Dear Saint Rose,

When I showed up on campus four years ago I was afraid, shy, and alone. I came to a school where I knew one person and never knew that I would leave knowing hundreds. I never imagined that I would fall into comforts so soon or prefer being on campus rather than being home. I never saw this relationship working out so well or that I would dread leaving so much. Yes, I know that all good things must come to an end but I wish that I could fall off a roof (off campus, don’t worry), get a sun burn on the quad, or laugh until I cry one last time. I am ready for the next step, whatever it may be, but first there are some things that I want to thank you for.

Me loving Saint Rose circa 2013 for my elections posters.

Thank you for allowing me to become independent and live on my own for four years. I am especially thankful for the distraction you offered when my parents moved to Texas, it was then that you really became my home and the place that I felt most comfortable. Thank you for bringing me to a place where I have met some of my best friends in life and the ones that I have countless memories to reflect on. Thank you for pushing me to my limits and making me try new things. Without you I am afraid I never would have tried so hard or accomplished half as much. You let me broaden my horizons and explore things in life that I otherwise would never had the chance.

I would say this isn’t goodbye but I know that is. Things will never be the same but they cannot be nor do I think they should. Sometimes even the best relationships end because life moves on and things change. One day I was that anxious freshman moving her things in to Lima 403 and the next I am that anxious yet confident adult moving them out of my last RA room. With the exception of some less than ideal times, I will look back on the last four years of my life as the best that I have had thus far. These were the years when everything fell into place and now that everything is being called into question I appreciate them more than anything.

Simply, thank you for letting me become the Courtney Carr that people know today.