Abi’s Tribute

Dear Maya,
 
It’s easy to point out the small things that will remind me of you, like when I order sushi or venture to Buffalo Wild Wings. But the truth is, you have had such a large impact on my life that it will forever change the way I live.
 
When I first came to WashU, I didn’t feel like I fit in. Sure, I did well in school and was active on campus, but this inner voice kept telling me that I didn’t belong. That was until I met you.
 
No matter what the plans were, you made me feel included. Last-minute plans to go out? I was invited. No questions. Last-minute study session in the law library? “Sure, come with me.” You had this magical essence about you that even made sitting in traffic fun. Everyone around you saw it, and that's one of the things I loved most about you.
 
Even more than this, you made me feel important, which is something I used to forget. For a while, I traveled on weekend trips to escape a place I thought I didn’t belong, WashU. These trips occurred frequently until one weekend at Blueberry Hill, you convinced me to cancel my flight and stay in St. Louis. From that point onward, I didn’t make any more weekend trips to “escape,” as you showed me that the more I involved myself and gave my life at WashU a chance, the more I truly did belong. As a result, I had the most amazing last few months of school I could have possibly asked for.
 
So sure, I will think of you every time I order a spicy tuna roll or whenever BDUBs comes out with a new flavor, but the truth is, the lessons you taught me will be with me every second of every day. Not only have you given me the confidence to flourish in any environment, but you have forever reminded me that I do belong.
 
Thank you, Maya. I will miss you so much.

Love Abi