I will admit that SMU was not my first choice when applying for college, Tulane was. However, looking back, being deferred was the biggest blessing in disguise.

A Connecticut native, I wasn’t sure how well I was going to fit in at SMU. I wanted a change from the fast pace lifestyle that the northeast is known for. Dallas just seemed like the right fit, a beautiful campus, colossal location and an academic curriculum that suited my interests. Needless to say, I am tearing up as I write because I cannot believe the best four years of my life are coming to an end. Not only have I made lifelong friends at SMU, but I am fortunate enough to call them my sisters.

Stepping foot into my freshman dorm, I was alone, I didn’t know anyone. I will always remember my first night of college when a few of us that knew each other from Mustang Corral got together and decided to go to off campus to someone from Dallas’ friends house. As we approached massive stone gates about 15 minutes away, I was entering the former owner of the Dallas’ Stars and Rangers home. Naturally, that night marked the beginning of an essentially four-year dream.

The first upper classman that I met happened to be from Connecticut as well, she happened to live 15 minutes away from me at home. From the moment we cheered to several Saki bombs, I knew we would be friends. She then initiated the rest of my college career as a member of the sorority Pi Beta Phi.

From that moment, I have made unbelievable friends that have helped mold the person I am writing this blog right now. Throughout the years, I have shared limitless memories, from parties in the heights, to weekends in New Orleans, Innsbruck adventures and Homebar Thursdays. Yet, the most memorable experience is having had the privilege to spend the last year of college living with 25 of my best friends, even if I have to live in the smallest room in the Pi Phi house.

I am leaving SMU a completely different person than when I started, in a good way. So, I can say I’ve had the time of my life and SMU, I owe it all to you.