Goodbye, my love

Dear IU,\nFor four years now, we have been together, making this journey down that long and winding road that is college. This weekend, that road splits and both of us will have to go our separate ways. But before we do that, I wanted to tell you what you have meant to me.\nYou have been a great friend, a mentor and a confidant. You’ve been here for me through it all, helping me grow and learn.\nYou were there for me when I was a freshman, trying to find my way around campus without knowing anyone in sight. You made me feel welcome and helped me find my niche in such a big community by introducing me to the newsroom.\nAnd when I decided that we should take a break for a semester, you understood. I came back and you embraced me like I had never even been gone.\nYou’ve seen me through times of sorrow and joy. You have given me wonderful writing experience, taught me the intricacies of politics and instilled in me a newfound love for The Beatles. You have introduced me to some of the greatest professors and advisers and led me to my very best friends. \nYou’ve taught me how to balance keeping a job, finishing schoolwork and drinking, yet kept me from becoming too much of a work (or alc)-oholic. \nWe’ve laughed together through the good times. We cheered at the basketball games, yelled at the Little 500s, kept ourselves out of trouble when tailgating and spent countless late nights (even Mondays) closing down Nick’s and Kilroy’s. We’ve cried together through the hard times. We’ve faced the tragedies of fellow Hoosiers whose lives were taken from us too soon. We have faced breakups and stuck it out through the fights. The headaches and heartaches have been numerous, but we made it through together.\nSometimes I wonder how I’ll make it when I venture into this world alone. But then I think of all that you have given me and I know I will always carry a part of you with me. \nYou have been my best friend for four years and I’ll always remember everything we’ve been through together. So give me a call anytime; I’d love to come back and visit. \nGo out and find a new love, as I do the same. (You know I’ve had a thing for New York for a while now.) I want to see you happy, so embrace those who come next.\nHemingway once wrote: “Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.” That’s never been truer than now. I’m going out to seize the world, IU. May any success I achieve always come back to you and everything you’ve taught me. It’s been a wonderful affair, but now I must go. \nIt’s been a wild ride. Thanks for the memories.