A Simple Gift

Dear King William III and Queen Mary II,

Seeing as it is snowing outside, and it rarely snows in Williamsburg, I figured I would take this opportunity to curl up on the couch and write you a letter. Now I am well aware that we have been out of touch for quite some time now, but what I am about to tell you will certainly make up for our years in silence.

Monday is our 317th birthday… But what kind of present can you give something that has given so much to everyone who has been graced by its presence? The warm aged buildings offer a safe haven for those who desire to escape the cold in the winter months. The sunken gardens are never left alone, as students buzz around the beautifully bricked sidewalks overflowing with intellect and enthusiasm. I bet you never would have imagined that you would create something this inspiring. You have designed a masterpiece. We have diversity, pride, motivation and curiosity. Our halls are filled with students on a quest to uncover their life dreams. Those who have come before us have set the bar high, and yet we still manage to supersede those expectations; because we believe. There is hope in what you have created.

I would throw you a party on the 3rd floor of Swem, but even that would pale in comparison to what you deserve. I would fix your bricks and bake you a cake, but that would not suffice. While I could sing you happy birthday 317 times and tell you that you are the best, it would never feel like enough.

So on this birthday I want to give you my gratitude and thank you for giving all of us students the opportunity to succeed. I want to thank you for the people that make up this college and the community that you erected 317 years ago. Thank you for knowing that this is what the world would need, a place like William and Mary.