This article was difficult for me to write. Not because it was a hard assignment, but because I finally realized my time at Xavier is coming to an end. As excited as I am to start a new chapter of my life, I don’t think I’m quite ready to say goodbye to the people and places I love the most. 

My senior year definitely did not go as I had planned. I never would have imagined putting my dog down due to lymphoma, my aunt passing away from kidney cancer, tearing my ACL or having the end of my senior year taken away. Through all of these unfortunate events, though, I truly found my people. 

I found an overwhelming sense of support from the Xavier community and a feeling that this is where I belong. It’s hard to picture myself anywhere else, or that in a short amount of time I will have to leave behind a place that has shaped me into the person I am today. 

I am not ready to leave behind mornings with Mrs. Moses or Xcel hour with Ms. Hayes. I do not want to say goodbye to my teammates or coaches who have been with me through thick and thin. I can’t picture myself at a school next year without my Xavier classmates by my side. The hardest part of it all…is leaving for a college twelve hours away from my three best friends. 

Grace, Libby and Sophie, thank you for everything. There are so many more words I want to say to you three, but no matter what I say, I will never be able to fully express the love I have for you all. 

Most importantly, thank you Xavier for the happiest years of my life and for giving me something that makes saying goodbye so hard.