To My Dearest Alma Mater:
College of love and charity, it has been four years of the good, the bad, the ups and the downs. But how can you learn without conflict?
What seemed like an endless journey of higher learning is soon to be sweet memories. I came here from Maryland in fall 2008 without knowing a single soul. It does not seem that long ago, but coming here as a freshman, I did not know what to expect.
On Dec. 14, I will walk across the stage with no regrets. Our time together taught me how to stay on top of my business, not take no for an answer, plan ahead and think outside of the box. I have visited other HBCUs and the cultures there are just not the same. I have represented you every time I swam, recruited, interned and volunteered.
I really got to know you during my first two years here. I spent the first in McGuinn Hall battling creepy critters of the night, faulty washing machines and money-eating vending machines. No disrespect to Florida A&M, but renovations on the female dorms are necessary.
But, I have had my best memories here, from my first presidential election to becoming a member of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. I do not want to change you because experiences like that are what gave me lifelong friendships, hilarious stories and memorable experiences.
I will miss my days on the Hill, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. It is time for me to take what you have taught me and go out into the world. I will always be a proud Rattler. The most important thing I have learned here is that in some situations you will be working at a disadvantage.
You can either be defeated by adversity, or you can face your problems and take control.