It is not good bye, it is a see you later...

Today marks the last day of one Terry D. Smith at Oregon State University. It is with a bittersweet note that I say till next time to a great colleague, friend, and partner in crime. This blog is for you, Terry.

My dearest Terry,

Words cannot explain how you have shaped my first year at Oregon State. It seems just like yesterday that I hugged you at my campus interview and declared to you that you and I were going to be best friends. Although, I am sure this presented me as a crazy person. I knew the moment we met that you were going to be lifelong friend. 

A million thank yous cannot express how grateful I am to have you as a friend and colleague. In moments of doubts, sadness, anger, happiness, and stress you were there to challenge me, hug me, and at times to slap me back into reality. Thank you for all that you did for me this year and for reminding me that I need to be bold and fearless. 

In the middle of green chicken enchilada dinners and happy hour times I found a friend. I have enjoyed you and I have learned so much from you. 

"Home is where the heart is. It is not a place..." Although, I still refuse to believe in this know that I will keep telling myself this when times get rough. I have laughed with you, I have fought with you, and I have cried with you. Your strength and passion was motivation to me when my own passion and motivation was missing. You are a brilliant and strong individual. I am honored to be your VP, colleague, and friend. 

Know that this is not a good bye but I see you later. Thank you for a great year and for all the great memories. Now go to UIC and change lives!

Te quiero mucho.

Claudia ♥