I’ll never forget the first time I visited SMU. I sat in a large auditorium with dozens of other college hopefuls listening to various speakers talk about the bachelor of arts program at Meadows School of the Arts. After walking the beautiful campus, I was already buzzing to find out more. Then Dean Jose Bowen began to speak. “Our goal is for every student is to do what they love. If there is a subject that you want to pursue, we want you to pursue it. We want you to succeed and will work with you to make that happen.” And with that I turned to my Dad, on cloud 9 and said, “I’m going to go here. This is my dream.”

When the small letter of rejection came, I was initially crushed. My admissions counselor assured me I could still make my dream happen by transferring a year later. I was instantly motivated to study hard, save up my money, and only focus on going to SMU. The next summer when my official welcome packet of acceptance came, I was elated that my dreams were finally becoming a reality.

I moved from my home of 19 years to my very first apartment in Dallas. I cried when my dad left and when I botched my first home-made dinner. My first year at SMU took me out of my comfort zone, in the best ways, and made me an independent, strong woman ready to take on any challenge life threw at me.

It’s impossible to list all the experiences I’ve had or the things I’ve learned over the past 3 years at SMU, but to sum it all up: It was amazing.

I took classes on things I love: advertising, public relations, social media, film, and television. I made lifelong friends. I went to  hockey games and concerts. I experienced the State Fair of Texas and all it’s fried food glory. I asked Shaquille O’Neal a question about humor in leadership. I watched 5 living presidents address our student body and the national media at the Bush Library opening.  I had 3 internships on and off campus. I worked with international media to cover the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination. I met communications and public relations professionals that gave me advice and a push to pursue the field. I secured a job in public relations after graduation.

SMU gave me the tools and opportunities to keep dreaming of bigger things. A dream to explore the world, to continue my education, to find my perfect job. As excited as I am to graduate, I know I’ll miss walking across the historic main quad everyday with the bells atop Fondren Science ringing in the distance. What I’ll miss most is telling dewy-eyed high schoolers about how much I love this school, everything it stands for, and why I chose to come here.

I find peace in knowing I won’t be far away from my home away from home. Whenever I need a reminder about how I became to be who I am today I know SMU will be there giving me the strength and perseverance to make all of my dreams come true.