Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when you are so blessed to have wonderful people in your life that you always want right by your side. Today, I journeyed back to New Jersey from Fairfield, my car jam packed with my belongings, and another chapter of my life coming to an end. Fortunately, my book does not end here. The next chapter is right around the corner.
The past few days have been filled with lots of goodbyes..well, let's not call them goodbyes. I can't ever seem to find the 'good' in goodbye. We will refer to them as "see ya in a few months." Driving away from the beautiful Fairfield campus, I kept my mind off everything and focused on making it home safely (watching out for the blind spots, of course). As I approached the "Welcome to New Jersey" sign on the parkway, "We Found Love" by Rihanna came on the radio; one of TH122's favorite songs. And, yep, of course, I started to bawl. The funny thing is that I used to cry when I left New Jersey to come back to Fairfield...never the other way around. Oh, how much can change in so little time. C'est la vie.
Starting this semester I had no idea what to expect. I was hoping housing was going to work out, but I barely knew the girls I was planning on living with. I thought to myself, "Whatever! I'll be out of here in one semester. I can make it." And now, I have very different thoughts. "I'm going to Paris in 3 weeks. Can I make it there without them?" I've never expected to find such great friends in roughly four months. Besides my housemates, I am so grateful to have met so many wonderful people this semester. I know it's cliche, but the quote "it's not about who you've known the longest, it's about who came and never left your side" is a great depiction of these friendships I have gained.
As those of you who follow me on twitter know, I love to give "shout outs." So get ready!
Mom and Dad. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I had any other parents. Even though I act like a princess, I appreciate EVERY thing you do for me. Whether it be the random text messages, the cute "miss you" cards in my school mailbox, or the voicemails on my phone left in French, every small thing brightens my day. You both taught me to work hard and follow all my dreams and it makes me happy that you want what is best for me and are always supportive of all my life decisions. Thank you for giving me everything I could ever want and letting me have opportunities that many other children will never get to experience. I will be safe in Europe and Skype you every chance I get! And don't worry mom, the phrase that will come out of my mouth most often will be "Je suis allergique au cacahuète." I can't wait until March 21st when you join me in the lovely city of Paris! I'll be counting down the days starting as soon as I get on that plane...
To my favorite Fairfield seniors. I can't believe I come back from Paris the day before your graduation. What am I going to do next year!? But, just remember to finish your last year strong and study hard...but always always party harder! (I know it'll be harder without the legend on campus, but try your best!) Enjoy every minute of your last semester and worry about the real world after you graduate. Just pretend it's that easy.
My 122 family and best friends. I don't even know where to begin. Thank you for being the best group of friends I've ever had. Through the good times and the bad, we've been there for each other. From family dinners, to syringe shots, to the Victoria Secret Fashion Show party, to torturing Kristen with her favorite picture, to dancing to "Boom Boom Boom Boom", to our Christmas party, to throwing the best parties on campus, to dancing on the quad for hours straight, to our midnight breakfast car ride and photo shoot, to frolicking all day every day, this semester wouldn't have been nearly as fun without you all in my life <3
Danielle. Thank god you're my best friend. I don't think anyone else would put up with me! I really don't know if I would have survived this semester without you as my roommate (seriously). It's going to be weird not sharing a room with you. I'll have to find someone else to jump on at 2am when I want to see if it's raining...darn. I don't know if Europe is going to be able to handle us. Sorry not sorry. And I can't wait to make "Bumpy Ride" famous worldwide so I don't get dirty looks when I request it at parties. Taking on Europe 2012 will sure give us a lot more stories to add to our list. Just don't send it to Rufini :p
In three short weeks, I will be opening this new chapter of my life. Many different emotions will encompass this new beginning, but excitement will over power all the rest. Tears will be shed, but good times will be right around the corner.
Après la pluie le beau temps :)
