Growing up in Athens, Georgia, I was surrounded by Chick-Fil-A's. My sepia-toned childhood memories would not be complete without the classic Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich, ordered with waffle fries and a tall styrofoam cup of lemonade, bitter yet refreshing. The complimentary mints offered by these fine establishments filled my pockets, the wrappers populating our minivan and infuriating my mom. I looked forward to early morning gymnastics meets for the Chick-Fil-A breakfasts on the road they promised.

At the age of 10, I moved to Washington, DC. Chick-Fil-A still exists, and is ever gaining popularity due to its delicious food, but the welcoming signs illuminated every day except Sunday disappeared from most of my daily routes. Missing, too, were the bowls of mints that once had perched invitingly on counters near the door. However, the food remained of the same caliber as ever. The Chicken Sandwich kept me company during the move and throughout middle and high school.

I now prepare to depart my home for college in a mere eight months. I will attend Cornell University as part of the swimming and diving team, taking classes in the College of Engineering. Although the school offers incredible people and opportunities, Ithaca, New York contains no Chick-Fil-A restaurants. This heartbreaking development leaves me feeling stranded by such a wonderful corporation. As an athlete, I feel that I need the kind of delicious, arguably nutritious food that Chick-Fil-A provides. 

Please, do not let this next phase of my life be bare of Chick-Fil-A. College students would flock to the restaurant, jumping at the opportunity to again experience a taste of home. Join me in petitioning to add a Chick-Fil-A to Ithaca, New York, and in my quest to step into adulthood with a Chicken Sandwich in my hand.