Dang it.

Sometimes, without me meaning to, I get a country accent back.

I brought it along when I moved from West Tennessee

and it visits unexpectedly from time to time.

My friends like to say that my "Dyersburg" is showing.

And after being home for a few days, I get it bad.

Speaking of Dyersburg, southern accents and home, 

I can't wait to get home..

well, my other home. 

It's strange leaving home to go home.

Regardless, I. am. pumped.

But after a little rest, relaxation and road tripping,

 it's off to the ATL to see Al Pal.

THE best roommate and friend I could have asked for, seriously.

(I think I've even kind of gotten used to her hugs.)

It's crazy to think that a year ago, I'd only met this girl for a brief time

and today she is one of the most incredible friends I have.

And how did we meet, you ask?

Way back in November 2009..

Allie and I attended Samford's Art Day. 

You know how it goes.. the quiet ones, 

the ones you have casual conversation with

just because you happen to sit beside each other. 

Yep, that was us.

I made a bold move and asked her to be my roommate.

Insane on my part -- I mean, I hardly knew the girl!

But man, did God have a plan.

He created my plan for me.

And really, it's even more than that.
God created my life, my relationships,

my dreams, my thoughts, my actions.
Let's be real -- God created me.

He is God and He is Good.

Express yourself.

I'm a nineteen year old, small town raised,

Samford attending, graphic design major.

The name's Sarah.

Moving to college is a big change.

Moving away from your family is a big change.

Moving from to Dyersburg to Birmingham is a big change.

I love my little small town and all the memories it holds.

From all night bonfires to camp outs on the roof of the high school,

from driving around with the windows down to looking at the stars,

from Bible study in our coffee shop to best friend photo shoots,

Dyersburg felt like home..

There I had an incredibly supportive family and wonderful friends.

There I learned who I was, what I was passionate about,

and where I wanted to go in life. 

Without them, I wouldn't be who I am today.

Mom, Dad, Matt-- you show me the most amazing kind of love.

You bring joy to my life unlike anyone else

and I know there's no other family like ours.

Jaylin, Lauren, Avy-- you brought me back to life.

You opened your hearts to me 

and I lived the best years of my life with you.

Evan-- you never cease to amaze me. 

You can make me smile in any situation

and I love each moment I spend with you.

Then I came to Samford.

Now I have new friends, new memories, new jokes. 

It's difficult. 

But God has helped me get through each day.

From actually having to deal with rush hour to raves,

from parties in room 4-6-8 to Step Sing,

from road trips to football games,

Samford is home.

Here, I have met some of the coolest people.

They made transitioning to life here easier, 

and they make each day memorable..

but mostly they help me become a better version of myself.

Allie, Jamie, Lindsay-- you guys are the most ballin' friends.

You brighten each day I spend with you 

and I feel like I've known you three forever.