Hello OWLT residents!
I am writing to you all from the beautiful state of Arizona, enjoying the sunshine after a rigorous year. Over the last few weeks, much has happened in my life – including graduating from THE Ohio State University, Magna Cum Laude with a major in Social Work and minor in Dance, School of Social Work Honor’s Dinner, Evening of Recognition by the college of social work, finishing up of classes, viewing of the WOSU segment on OLWT Student-in-Residence program, going away party, and turning in my thesis (!!!) I am pretty sure even more happened during this last month, but I am having difficulty remembering because it has been so packed!
All of these events hold very close to my heart. It is hard to believe how quickly and joyously this year came and went. I could not have done it without the support of so many, especially all of you. Below are some pictures from events in the last month.
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/2AD9630E-1521-498C-887B-8C51CD8939C3-1024x768.jpg)
The OSU stadium on graduation day!
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/9F4DA7A8-834C-4085-8C41-C07726CEA26D-576x1024.jpg)
My last time at Thurber Tower.
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/39E3D082-36DF-4190-999C-79D374E9AAB8-e1558499983584-1024x575.jpg)
Cards given to me at the going away party!
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/047CDECD-D8B4-44F7-903D-AB0840EE5CE9-768x1024.jpg)
My good friend Ava and I at graduation!
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/57862032513__B856C6B5-75B8-4FFC-BBC3-D9BF8EDCA7A5-768x1024.jpg)
An award I was given at the Evening of Recognition – titled Excellence in Field Education Award
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/IMG_2659-1024x768.jpg)
Having dinner with (some) of my family for graduation!
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/IMG_2698-768x1024.jpg)
Drew and I at graduation! He graduated with a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
![](https://u.osu.edu/agefriendlycommunities/files/2019/05/IMG_2708-1024x768.jpg)
Before the going away party started!
I do also want to speak a little bit about my experience this past year. As someone in their 20s living in a place such as this, you learn many things. Such as, the importance of communication, friendships, and community. I entered this place not knowing what to expect and I left with wonderful memories of a place that is vibrant, loving, and knowledgeable. I learned more this year about myself and others than many do in an entire lifetime. When life gives you experiences and opportunities you take them. You all have had different walks of life and that has taught me that the world has much to offer and I have seen so little. You all have also taught me the beauty in simplicity, finding joy in the small things life has to offer. I have been incredibly fortunate to have shared this last year with all of you. It is with a heavy, but joyous heart that I leave. I will continue to think of you and Westminster-Thurber, as it was one of the very best experiences I have ever had.
What’s next for me? I am starting my Master’s in Social Work in June and will graduate next May!
Warmly,
Natalie