College is an intimidating space and there is no safer place than in the company of your girl gang. The people in your girl gang are your cheerleaders, and this is a letter to girl gangs everywhere.
To Girl Gangs,
The first week of college is all about venturing out, socializing and trying to find the people you vibe with the most. If you’re anything like me, the people you find become your soul mates, the missing pieces you did not know you were looking for.
It all starts with the first awkward interaction when you call them to your room and all at once the awkwardness turns into comfort cause you realize you’re more alike than you thought. You begin to unravel your secrets in hopes of making new bonds and letting each other see your quirky and weird sides. Even if that may be an obsession with Splitsvilla, being a die-hard fan of Bollywood, vlogging your life on Snapchat, or having insane family drama. You let your girlfriends see a part of you that you keep hidden from everyone else and trust that they would love you anyway. And they do!
Your girl gang becomes the solace you need. They become the people you run to after a bad exam or when you’ve got into the club you’ve been waiting to be a part of. They celebrate your successes and inspire you every day.
These are the girls with whom you can indulge in a big bowl of Maggi (with extra butter), without counting the extra calories—just all the extra love. These are the girls you start a Netflix series with, knowing you won’t watch a single episode without all of them there, with popcorn and Fun Flips. These are the girls you have the deepest conversations with at 2 a.m. These are the girls whose families call you by your pet name. These are the girls who become your number one cheerleaders and support you through every college event you do or are a part of. These are the girls you go to when you need a hug because you’re missing home. These are the girls who become your family.
Do not shy away from finding your girls at college and sticking with them! It is an experience and a love you will never have felt in your school life. Your girls become the people who see through you when you’re lying about being upset but also realize when you need your space. Your group chat will be the most entertaining space when you’re away on vacation with updates you cannot wait to gossip about. They become your favourite cuddle buddies and you won’t stop taking cute boomerangs with them, ever. They really are your biggest hype.
A big thank you to my girls for loving me just the way I am.
You are beautiful, hilarious, headstrong, intelligent and absolute weirdos. And for that, I love you.
So remember to spend more time with your girls, and remember to tell them you love and appreciate them! These girls will have your back even when you’re eighty!
Edited by Rangoli Gupta (UG 2020)