As my time here comes to an end, I can’t help but look back on everything I’ve experienced and feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. When I first arrived, everything felt unfamiliar and overwhelming. I had no idea how much this place and the people here would come to mean to me. To my teachers, thank you for everything. Your guidance, patience, and encouragement have been more than just lessons in a classroom. You’ve inspired me to grow, to think differently, and to believe in myself. You created a space where I felt supported, where learning wasn’t just about grades but about becoming a better person. I will always carry the lessons you’ve taught me, not just in academics but in life.
To my friends, especially my senior friends, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I’ll never forget the day you invited me to lunch, making me feel included and cared for in a moment when I needed it most. That simple act of kindness meant the world to me. From walking between classes to laughing over the silliest things, you’ve made this year unforgettable. You were there to celebrate the good moments and lift me up in the tough ones, and I will never stop being grateful for your friendship.
This campus, with its separate buildings and lively energy, has become a second home to me. It’s not just the place where I learned, but the place where I found a community, made memories, and truly felt like I belonged. Leaving is hard, but I know that the lessons, memories, and friendships I take with me will stay in my heart forever.
To everyone who was a part of my journey, thank you for making this year so special. Coming all the way from Kyrgyzstan, I was not sure how I would adjust to a new environment so far from home. But you made me feel welcome and accepted, easing the transition and helping me embrace this new chapter of my life.
I may be leaving, but a piece of me will always remain here, with all of you. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just “see you later.” Until we meet again, thank you for everything. You’ve made this year one of the best chapters of my life.