Thanks, IU

Its been often said that you never know how good you have it, until you have it no more. True, most of the time. But since the beginning at IU, I knew my time there would be great, and that when I left, I would truly miss it. There wasn't real proof of this though, until I left last fall for graduate school in Chicago/Evanston. I wondered, mostly to myself, who would I meet there and where would this school, city and experience take me (in life)?

I have been surprised at the people I have met, the places I have seen, and the academics of whom I have learned and benefit from thus far (and its only the second quarter). I am happy here, at least now! But I do miss IU. The hper were I have played countless games of basketball, assembly hall were I remember the Duke game (classic) and all three different coaches that were their during my time there. I'll miss the 'greatest college weekend' lil 5 and all of its glory (although, I never went to a single race) or numbers of friends that I made in which, most likely, I won't ever see again!

Some of these things are normal of an undergraduate experience. You miss what you have had for a long time, just like high
school; but eventually you get over it. While I take that into consideration, my time at IU was more than just a normal 'rite of
passage' for an eighteen year old kid. I grew up there! When I came to IU I had no friends, and knew no one from my city, state, or high school that would be attending. I remember my mother leaving (not crying, but probably wanting to) and the heat from the day, and thinking 'here we go'. I gave her a big hug, shut the door and in some ways, said goodbye to home for first time. My new home being not in Ohio or Indiana, but IU.

I cannot recount all the good/bad experiences that I have had at IU, but I take them together as the best experience I have ever had! I owe a lot to my current and future success to the people who make (made) up IU. So thanks to you! Thanks to IU.