Life could be sweet...

Written on the train ride from Florence to Rome:

What's next? You're on your way up and out. You have one more semester, four more extremely short months, until you are finished at E&H. You are the same girl with a transforming outlook on everything. You are leaving that frightened small town girl and you are headed for a life of adventure full of highs and lows, ins and outs, and crazy loves. You still have so much to see. You haven't even dreamed of determinations. No goal is unattainable because you know your limits and you know yourself like nobody ever will. Don't ever be ashamed of your ambitions and stop thinking you are inferior. Always know it is okay to shed your tears when you feel defeated. Know when it's okay to accept defeat, but do it gracefully. Keep your head up and tred softly, but don't forget the impact you are making or the ripples you are creating. Breathe through everything even when the air is thick with impossibility. Know that impossibilities will come by handfuls, but genuinely good times wil come by the truckloads if you are only willing to embrace them. Stop fearing the unknown and start learning to appreciate the beauty in everyone. If you do one thing in your lifetime, let it be to forgive. Let your heart and compassion guide you because some situations won't allow much time for consideration. Don't underestimate anyone and try to see things through different eyes when you hear that vioce of argument within you. Remember your roots always and don't forget what your Daddy told you when he said, "The trick to carrying on is not to get carried away." Slow down when exhaustion steals your smile. Remember that words can be extremely sharp and their effects last much longer than you sometimes know. Don't mistake unthruths as art, but do strive to keep your artisistic intuition in tune. Know that smiles are often reciprocated and are a universal symbol. Laugh at yourself and learn to unleash the mistakes you've made. Be aware that every single person you enounter will inevitable shape your character. Don't be offended when your good deeds go unnoticed, rather do good deeds when you have no idea if any eyes are watching you at all. Don't feer what's ahead of you. Remember that you used to be terrified of an open closet door in your North Caroline bedroom.

All that aside, get ready for the best ride of your life.