Many thousand miles I have travelled under many different skies.

I’ve seen and heard and felt many different things – some good: some less so.

From Ancient Constantinople to delightful Dubai my journey has taken me –

From the banks of the Ganges to the shores of the Atlantic.

I’ve stood under shadows of soaring wonders and tasted the tantalizing fruits of human ingenuity and perseverance.

Yet here, in this wintery college in the middle of a quaint little town I have found something that I’ve looked all over for – a place where I fit in.

I awaken and rush to class – only to be greeted by a great gaggle of gentle faces.

Their smiles warm me up even in the snowiest of mornings.

I go to class and find myself facing instructors just as eager to help us succeed as we are to help ourselves.

Under their tutelage, education and lectures become something to look forward to.

Between lectures, I roost myself in the marketplace, conversing with the diverse people I encounter.

More than once have I forgotten to satiate my hunger, as I loose myself in conversations that I wish didn’t have to end.

Finally, my classes break as the scarlet Sun sets across the white Dakotan Planes.

It is time for me to retire; to indulge myself in my favorite pass time.

But as I load up my beloved video game, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging.

After nearly a decade of being a branded a Pariah for my passions – I find myself in a different world.

No longer am I the “nerd”. No longer am I the “loser.”

I find myself sitting at the marketplace, hours on end. Playing, discussing, LIVING video games with my friends

And when all is said and done – when the Sands of Sleep weigh my eyelids down, I am grateful.

I am grateful to the professors for giving me the opportunity to realize my dreams.

I am grateful to the Residence Hall staff for always having faith in me.

I am grateful to my residents for making my job the best job in the world!

I am grateful to my friends for always being there for me

And, last of all, I am grateful to DSU itself for itself.

Thank you for being my home  7,7291 miles away from home!