Dear Dewick,
What can I possibly say that will eloquently depict our four years together? Should I begin with a poem or maybe a short story? Alas, I am going to start with a quote by the well-respected philosopher Fetty Wap, who says, “my whole thing is loyalty. Loyalty over royalty; word is bond.” You have been the most loyal of companions these past four years of college. Let’s remember all those years ago when I arrived at Tufts as an awkward and nervous freshman. In a moment where everything seemed big and intimidating, you welcomed me with open doors and a swift slide of my Tufts ID. I found myself gradually spending more of my free time out of class with you. Although our relationship was moving quickly you did not seem to mind, but rather, enjoyed my presence. I began to slowly move from the upstairs seating perch to the downstairs carpeted area, feeling a little more confident with each step down the stairs. (For those of us that have fallen, slipped, or had a brush with death coming down those stairs you will know the relief that overcomes you when you make that last step on to solid ground). As sophomore year approached, and I kept my unlimited meal plan, I began to really understand you in a way I had never understood anyone or anything else. While there was a moment when I strayed from you to explore the mysteries of Carmichael that year, I inevitably came back to you in the end. The stir fry nights and fireman chili dinners were not enough to take me away from your General Gau’s, chicken fingers, cinnamon bread, Thanksgiving/Hannukah/Christmas dinners and endless variety of delicious dishes you offered. With our relationship blossoming that year I began to establish my residence at the “ficus table” and spent hours on end making it look like it was acceptable to have a round table to myself.
As I became an upperclassman and moved off campus, our loyalty to each other did not falter. I continued on a meal plan despite a growing number of my friends departing from your presence and loyally made my pilgrimage to you from College Avenue each day. Despite taking a break from one another when I went abroad in the spring, we found that distance makes the heart grow fonder! Our special relationship was stronger than ever when I returned for my fourth and final year. As a second semester senior I have started to reminisce about the past four years at Tufts. I think about how I will miss the athletics, the community, and the social experience, but what I will miss the most is you. You have been the constant in my life. The peanut butter to my jelly. The sundae to my Thursday. The double bowl to my salad. You’ve been present for matters of the heart, both good and bad, privy to conversations and secrets that many do not know, and there to enjoy the funniest jokes and pranks that I have ever made or witnessed. You have seen me sit through breakfast, lunch, and dinner (in one sitting) and bury many cups of coffee in an attempt to get my work done. You’ve helped me make friends that will last a lifetime and you kept it a secret when I go for two or three servings of dessert. You’ve even witnessed a broken computer due to an unfortunate hot chocolate incident. Thank you for being there for me these last four years without hesitation. Thank you for being a place of solace, entertainment and inspiration. As I embark on the next chapter of my life I will never forget the people I met and the lessons I learned (i.e. portion control). Keep up the good work and I hope you inspire the same experience in everyone that comes through your doors! From the good to the bad you will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Your humble deworker
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