It has come that time — time to wave goodbye as our heads turn to adulthood, but our hearts stay at PSU. Like many, the college experience has been a series of formative years no one could ever forget. My freshman year self, who was still catching her footing, could have never imagined where the next few years would take me.
We remember our closest friends ever so dearly, but it’s not only the people who make the place, but our peers, too. Every person in our life, no matter how big or small, leaves an etch in our memories. All of that to say, I would like to use this time (or for the remainder of this article) to thank my acquaintances, unbeknownst to them, the lasting imprint they’ve made.
Dear class friends,
Our relationship strictly stays in the classroom. In another life, I know we’d be great friends, but the barrier of our 9 a.m. class causes the walls of our friendship to be confined. It’s unexplainable why, but it is reciprocally understood. Our future interactions will be likes on photos and the occasional “How are you?” texts. Late study nights and constant questions about homework or quizzes will always remain bittersweet.
Dear going out friends,
Although I may see you once a week or every so often, your randomness to me as I am to you makes our “acquaintanceship” exactly what it needs to be. Fun times and late nights are our specialty. You may not be my “right-hand man,” but having you around for whatever and wherever State College took us those nights will be forever cherished.
Dear student teaching friends,
The friends I didn’t know I needed. What better way to meet those who are after your own heart? Endless lesson planning and coffee runs during lunch breaks have turned into fond memories that once felt stressful and tedious. I’ll miss nothing more than all the crazy stories we’d debrief at the end of the school day and the “What are you wearing?” texts the night before a spirit week.
Dear PSU,
Oh, how could I ever forget to thank PSU, the whole reason I’m sitting here writing this (and a big thanks to VALLEY, too). I’m so glad to have embraced all the twists, turns and precious memories that cannot be rendered. You have prepared me with skills for a long-lasting career, people I can now call family and an alma mater that feels like home.
Xoxo,
Vanessa
How have your acquaintances made an impact on you? Let us know by tweeting us @VALLEYmag on X!
