Next year I will be attending Baylor University with zero of my current classmates (although Mitch Todd is going there too, if any of you guys remember him). I’ll be in the land of Chick Fil-a cowboy hats and “y’all”. I could not be more excited; however, I decided to bring on the nostalgia to thank the people who got me here.

Sophomore Women’s Choir: Because of you I’ve had third lunch every Wednesday for the past three years. But really this class means a lot more than that. I’ve made so many friends and had so many great experiences. There were times it definitely sucked to be in the same class three years in a row, but I wouldn’t trade it. To all my singing sisters: thank you, always give your best, and try not to flat.
Newspaper Staff: I could write many, many words about how much I appreciate this class, but there are five other seniors who also need some space on this page. Anyway, thanks for putting up with my in-class singing, dealing with me cutting apart your stories and for putting a smile on my face at least once a day. Some of my best memories from high school are thanks to you guys. I have full faith that next year you’ll put together a great paper. (Also, remember to always give Amani candy for secret Santa stuff. Just kidding.)
My Senior Year Crew: I really wish I would have been friends with you guys way earlier in life. You’re all wonderful people. Keep it real next year at college and go to Applebee’s every once in a while for my sake.
My Bible Study Girls:You girls are awesome. I love each and every one of you. I’ve been so blessed to meet with you ladies every week (or so). Thanks a ton for all your time and for waking up early on Saturdays.

My Parents: Needless to say, you are the best. I promise I’ll be thanking you the rest of my life, but now I just wanted to let you know that I love you.
Kristen Miller: I cannot put into words how much I have appreciated your friendship over the years. I’ll never forget singing Shania Twain and Mandy Moore songs in your basement. I love you, girl. What ever happened to the milk shake stand we were going to start? That was a really good business plan.
Nadia Hamid: Straight up, you are my favorite person to talk to. How did you become so good at telling stories? I’m really going to miss your hilarious stories and your “germophobia.” Good luck at KU; please don’t ever change.
Bailey Schaumburg and Kim Carter. I love you as much as I love Baylor. I could not ask for better people to be editors along side. This paper would be not good without you two.
My Lunch Table: You are only the best. I’m so happy I get to eat with you every day. Thanks for dealing with my inability to tell stories. By the way, I’m baking y’all a cake for the last day of school.
My teachers: Well, you did it. I’m graduating. Thanks for all your effort; you guys got me into the 34th most selective school in the country. It’s somewhat obvious, but I’ve learned a lot in the past fifteen years from all your effort. Good job.
6th Hour Spanish III: Seriously, this the the best academic class I’ve ever taken, except for maybe kindergarten. Romero, you’re a great teacher. I’ve probably learned more life lessons than Spanish, but I think that’s the way to go. Thanks to the class for making me laugh to the point of crying on more than one occasion. Every single one of you is awesome. Adios mis amigos.
Victoria Gilman: It’s really hard to sit down and tell someone how awesome you think they are, here’s my best shot:  So you’re my best friend and I’m going to miss you like crazy next year. I know that I can go to you with anything. Thanks for being such an amazing friend. Just remember, sometimes you have to say stupid things and expect people to think you’re stupid.
So there it is. I am grateful for so many more people, but my designer was getting mad at me for how much space I was going to take up. Thanks to all my readers, friends, family and teachers. I lead such a blessed life. And a big “thank you” to Zach Hill for letting me write as much as I did, you’re great.