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Dear Kent State, 

First, how are you? It's only been 2 years since I left, but it feels like so much longer. I miss my second home! After all, that's what drew me to you in the first place; the fact that you felt like home. I can still remember the first time we met. I had been on a few tours, and had begun to lose hope I would find "the one." However, even though it was a rainy day, it was like love at first sight on that campus tour. Even during my freshman year, when the adjustment was tough, you always took care of me. The counseling services at White Hall got me through that first year. I will never be able to thank you enough for being my home away from home. 

How is White Hall, by the way? I've heard she's having a bit of a makeover. Personally, I liked her just the way she was. After all, within those walls is where I got to fall in love with education all over again.

I always knew I wanted to be a Special Education teacher, but the faculty and experiences I got to meet and have at Kent State helped me cement that dream.

I could always feel the passion that my professors and peers had for the very same aspects of education I did. We all just wanted to help kids. You could almost feel that passion in the halls of White Hall! It never mattered to us what our building looked like, we were all just happy to be there, learning how to serve kids.  

In the two years since I graduated, I have been able to stay in touch with a few of my professors. Whenever I reach out with a question, they respond quickly and kindly. It feels so good to know I have people out there in my corner as I am working through my first two years of teaching. In that way, Kent State, I feel you're still taking care of me, even from far away.

Kent State, thank you for taking care of me, for picking me up when I fall. I will keep you forever in my heart, even when we are apart!  

Your Flash Forever, 

Grace