I am thankful, not only today but every day for the culture of the Liberty Student Body and the individuals who are driving the change in a positive manner.

Freshman year I was terrified of everyone and everything around me. I knew maybe two or three upper-classmen who didn’t strike fear into my very being. My first day we had an assembly in which the long forgotten Freshman Tunnel was still relevant. Being a cheerleader on the field already, I was the first to run through only to be met by the backs of the senior class and silence.

I felt unwelcomed, unwanted even. Over time I found my niche and kept my head down and avoided eye contact with everyone.

The death of the Freshman Tunnel was the end of an era for the better. This was a turning point for the Liberty culture. Rather than feeling unwanted, the freshman were welcomed to the school. The first assembly of the following year warranted no time to shun the incoming class. This set a more positive tone in the absence of negativity.

Here I sit four years later and I see freshman talking to seniors and working together as one rather than denying respect for one another. I see friendships growing and mentors leading. I have seen the tides turn from absolute distaste for relations between the grades to peaceful codependence. The level of intimidation is at an all time low if not nonexistent.

At football games the chants are humorous and light-hearted references to cartoons.  “Escalators, Escalators, Escalators, EEEEEEEELLLLLLLLSSSSS,” and “Yeet” seem to be the mark of a Liberty Patriots presence at any event. This sign of unity between the grades is ten levels beyond anything it could have been my freshman year when our whole class was afraid to chant in fear of the ridicule.

I am thankful for this cultural shift and I couldn’t be more proud of the Liberty Patriots. I am proud to call this Patriot family my own. We truly are one.