3 weeks to go...

...but it feels like years.

Honestly, kiddies, I can't wait to be back at Conn. I know I've said it again and again, but I miss you all like you wouldn't believe. I have thirteen days of work left, all of which will most likely be 10-12 hour days, and all in a row. The only day off I have is the 8th, my birthday. But the long hours, the one day off instead of three, that's all my choice. I am going to make SO MUCH MONEY (yoooou have to save haha). I think that if I took more time off, the weeks would go by faster, but I know that in the end I will thank myself for toughing it out.

I am a little scared about turning 20. I don't want to say goodbye to my teen years yet, but I do think that I'm ready. My parents have both been commenting to me all summer that they think I've matured a lot, and I guess I agree with them for the most part. I am becoming a lot more motivated than I have been lately, and I work harder for the things that I want. Deep down, though, I'm still just a goofy, over-dramatic, weird-o, and I love it. You all bring that out in me, and you've also given me the confidence and ability to be myself again and truly just be content, something that I forgot how to do freshman year during my rough transition from high school.

I just want to let you all know how grateful I am for your friendship. Especially to those of you who were there for me during my freshman year and early on last year, you already had a wonderful, amazing group of friends, and you didn't have to let me in and do for me what you did. I'll never forget that.

To my boys from freshman year, Seth, Nick, Drew, and Justin, thanks for being a great support system. Every one of you was there for me in a second when I needed to talk or needed anything at all, and you helped me to feel more comfortable and happy. I don't know what my life freshman year would have been like without you, but luckily I had you all there and I made it through somehow. Drew, I miss hearing you be the ONLY one who laughs at the jokes I make that I KNOW are funny, but no one else but you seems to get. I LOVE reading your posts for that exact same reason. Seth: Thank you so much for always being there for me and willing to help me with anything that's bothering me. You were my rock freshman year. I honestly don't know what I would have done without you. Just thinking about it is scary.

To Amanda, thank you for talking to me whenever I needed it, and for not holding my sometimes bitchiness against me. I have a tendency, even now, to distance myself from others and to have trouble being close to new friends. You're one of the most unique and amazing people I know, and I was really excited when we started hanging out more at the end of last year. I look forward to living on the same floor as you (for the third time) and continuing that process. I promise we'll be watching Triplets of Belleville before you know it. I feel like there is so much I could learn from you and I really can't wait for a lot of fun times up on 4th floor KB.

To the Larrabee girls, thank you for giving me a chance to get to know you better. After not being close freshman year, and the probably not-so-friendly first impressions that you got of me, it was really great to get to know you more and build stronger friendships. I have SO much fun with all of you, and I really look forward to spending more goofy times together this year.

To my girls from first semester last year, Rach, Jess, Iwi, and Ally, I want you to know that I was absolutely scared out of my mind about going back to school at that time. I was seriously considering transfering and I was just so unhappy with myself and my life. I don't know what I would have done without you guys. I probably wouldn't still be at Conn. But each of you added something different to my life and helped me to grow each in your own way. You were exactly what I needed. Every single one of you allowed me to become comfortable in my own skin again, regain my self-confidence, and realize how great and carefree life can be. It's a crime that we didn't stay as close during second semester, and we really need to remedy that this year. Rach: start picking out names. Ally: I miss napping in your bed (and flip-flop fights!). Jess: I miss your dirty mouth, you twat! Iwi: More walks to Mammacoke and beyond? Yes, please.

To Kaitlin and Elizabeth, I couldn't be more excited that you have joined our little family. I know that you are aware of how amazing all these people are, but maybe my post has given you an even better idea of their worth. You two are HILARIOUS and have so much to offer, and I can't wait to learn more about you and create more memories.


And, of course, to Kim. I know that I don't really need to say anything else to you at this point about how much your friendship means to me. Everything that you need to know has already been said, or just doesn't need words. I miss you so much and I can't wait for the day I arrive on campus to your smiling face. Iced chai immediately (and prepare yourself for possibly a few tears).


I have a lot of goals for this year. My junior year in high school was my best, and my junior year at Conn is going to be the best yet without a doubt. But no matter how much I do or how busy I become, I want you all to know that the most important thing to me is to spend as much time as I possibly can with you guys, and to appreciate every. single. moment of it.

Thank you guys for everything. From the bottom of my heart. I'll never forget what you've done for me and the love you've shown me.

I love you all.



-Allison