Editor's Note: Leading up to Senior Night, Patriot Profiles will highlight the senior class with with each senior sharing a personal reflection about their time at Mason. Today, middle blocker Sydney Fanoga extends numerous heartfelt thank yous and talks about how her time at Mason shaped her into a better person.
Previous Patriot Profile entries include: Pihla Jarvenpaa, Emily Konchan, Licie Leite, Mikala Wells, Sydney Fanoga (Part 1), Ashley Mennes

It's hard to believe it has already been 4 years! My time as a Mason Patriot started with former coach Pat Kendrick having the confidence to bring me over to Mason from Hawaii. If it wasn't for her, I would not be here now, so I'd like to extend a thank you Coach Kendrick.
 
Whether it was athletics or academics, my time at Mason has been a time of unforgettable growth and experiences. Coming to Mason gave me the opportunity to continue competing in a sport that I loved. Being a student-athlete has contributed to the development of my time management, teamwork, and leadership skills. Thank you to all of the athletic advisors and staff members that have helped me over the years.
 
My academic experience at Mason has contributed most to my growth as an individual. I will be eternally grateful for the professors that have mentored, supported, and inspired me in my academic endeavors. It is because of the relationships I have built with professors and peers that I have great pride and appreciation in being a Global Affairs major.
 
Senior night is approaching and there is no other way I would want to end my student-athlete experience than with fellow seniors – Jordan Glass, Kelly Schaller, Ashley Mennes, and [former Patriot] Mara Barkley. To my teammates: thank you for the memories on and off the court. I wish you all the best in your remaining time as a Patriot.  
 
There are many more people I would like to express my gratitude towards that would make this article never end. So, my last thank you is to my parents. Mom and Dad, thank you for your belief, support, and encouragement from the day I decided I wanted to pursue volleyball in college.  

There are aspects of being a student athlete that I will miss. But it is my experience as a Mason student-athlete that has made me look toward the future with excitement. My Mason student-athlete experience will now become a stepping stone and contribute as a strong factor in my future success.

Thank you, Mason!