Dear Alex

Dear Alex,
It was a Friday the first time I ever saw you. I was lost on UNCC’s campus, trying my hardest to find that stupid psych lab. The paper told me a classroom number, but the building for psychology is ridiculous. It wasn’t even listed on the floor plan of the building. I had been walking in circles, going up and down the flights of stairs there, and that’s when I saw you heading in my direction. I remembered to pretend like I was busy being a college student, but I knew that only a few people would be in that area at a certain time because it’s college and a Friday, so I put my FBI skillz to the test, and began following behind you. I watched you walk in the same circle I was, so I had hopes that you’d eventually be the one to find our classroom. And then you abruptly stopped, turned around to me, and said, “Are you following me?” #Fail. We laughed over it, and once we found our classroom, you offered to sit by me. And just before class was about to start, all the other seats had been taken up except the one beside you, and that’s when Kelly came in. Three vastly different girls that quickly became great friends from simply sitting at the same table for our psych lab. You had me – the awkward girl hauling a cello around campus, a camera in her bag, and rarely had all the work properly done. We had you, the girl that had no boundaries, was wiser than most her age, the one that knew where all the hidden dining gems were, and that radiated positivity. And finally, we had Kelly – the girl that always looked like she walked out of a magazine, a heart of gold, and shared EDS with me, which we used to gross you out with all our popping and dislocating joints 😉

That semester was my favorite. I don’t remember anything from my classes, but it introduced me to two amazing women that brighten my life. I had never really celebrated my birthday the way others do, but you two had asked me to meet at Amelie’s, which was our typical hangout spot where we’d spend hours upon hours throughout the night just laughing and talking and eating amazing things at OUR table under the big clock. When I arrived that day, I noticed that Kelly was wearing a scarf, somewhat questioned that in my mind, but she’s the fashionista here, so I went with it. Next thing I know, I’m being held down and blindfolded with said scarf, and being walked to a car, having to get in it, and realizing I’d make a terrible blind person as we drove off – both of you cracking up the entire time. We came to a stop, I was told to wander aimlessly as you guys did something, I attempted to take photos though I couldn’t see anything still, and then when the blindfold came off, I was surprised with the most gorgeous food spread and wine set out for us as a surprise picnic in the park. I cannot begin to tell you two how special that was.

But as life is, things change. Kelly had found her prince charming (no really – he’s like the best person I’ve ever met other than her, so they are perfect together), and they were happily engaged! Due to his job, they knew they’d be moving after getting married, so Kelly moved back home with her family in Virginia for a bit while wedding planning was underway! We shopped for the most random items for her bridal shower, and visited her when we could to make memories! And then our little girl became a woman the day she said, “I do!” as we stood by her side and cheered them on.

This was the point where I was kinda questioning photography. I remember you were like, “Yo, do your thang, gurrrrrl!”, and I was like, “I don’t wanna!” But then I was at work, randomly asked a vendor to let us use a hair piece for you to model, and suddenly it became a full blown styled session. I had never ever ever done a styled session, and had turned down weddings vowing to never do them. I remember absolutely FREAKING out the day of the session and wondering what the heck I was doing because I truly had no idea, and the weather was terrible. But you stood by my side, told me, “You got this!”, and ate a cupcake. So I did too. And the crazy thing is? I submitted that session – my first ever submission of my first ever styled session – and it was accepted by one of the top blogs. I could NOT believe it, but you did. You have encouraged me from day one, you’ve been there by my side through everything, and you’ve been up for pretty much any crazy thing I request. Because you are a rock star, and I love you.

And now it’s your turn to fly, little bird. I can’t believe that in less than a week, you’ll be heading to the other side of the world. My heart shattered the moment I read that you’d be leaving, let alone leaving for such a large amount of time, but I know that this is exactly what you’ve dreamed of doing, and I stand by you just as you’ve stood by me for my dream. Working for the Peace Corps is something that doesn’t come along every day, and I know you are going to go on to change the lives of hundreds of others, and bring them happiness and hope just as you’ve given everyone that knows you. I can not put into words the amount that I will miss you, miss your hugs, and miss eating at my favorite places since you’re like the only other person that I know that enjoys them, but expect some stick figure pictures drawn with Sriracha sauce on a napkin – to scale, of course. And bring me back an elephant to go with Kelly’s pet moose and Carlos. I wish you nothing but the very best, and already can’t wait for your return. I love you, lady!