It’s that time of the year again….
We’ve all been there, one of those moments when you go around the table and say what you’re thankful for—is it really possible that every single person just said “I’m thankful for my family and my friends”. I’m sure it’s true and all, but it’s time to get original! Now that we’re in college we all have even more to be thankful for! Look around next time you walk through campus and remember how lucky you are to go to such a great school with a beautiful campus located in the crazy New Orleans. Dorm raiders is here this week to tell you that you need not look further than your dorm to find some new topics to add to that boring, old thanksgiving dinner conversation. Mix it up and be thankful for….
1. Your Roommate
Congratulations! If you’ve made it this far it means the two of you are still alive and haven’t killed each other yet—or at least I’m assuming. It isn’t easy to live with another person in such a small space, especially if you’ve never lived with a roommate before. By now I’m sure you’ve learned some valuable lessons in corporation and respect. Maybe you’ve started studying in your common room so your roomie doesn’t have to sleep with the lights on. Or maybe you‘ve been shopping for the perfect thank you holiday gift for your new friend. Friends or not, it’s been three months and I bet most of you are getting along better with your roommate than expected!
2. Suite Style Living
Sophomores, we’ve made it past the days of Sharp and Monroe and boy have we gotten to know the wonders of NOT having a communal bathroom. Whether you’re in Willow, SoHo, or Mayer, or you have an 8-person Phirby suite, you’ve officially made it past the days of those tiny freshman showers. Be thankful for having your own bathroom that you can deck out with a fancy shower curtain and soft bathmat. However, I wouldn’t blame you if you weren’t thankful for having to clean your own bathroom.
3. Your suitemates
Don’t forget to be thankful for your suitemates too! Suites give us the opportunity to live with even more of our friends. If you need a bruff date look no further than the next room. Suites give you more people to help with your homework, clothes to borrow when you just don’t have anything to wear, and ensures someone will always be there for you when you’re having a bad day. Being surrounded by friends is awesome! But be careful, living with your friends can be tricky. You’ll see your friends in a whole new light since you’ll be around them more. But on those days when you regret ever making that decision to move in with your best friend from last year remember: she’s still your best friend! Everyone has their flaws—when you live with someone they’re just more recognizable.
4. Your BED!
For those of you who dreaded getting the stereotypical dorm room bed, be thankful we live in an age of mattress pads and egg crates! Dorm beds have never been more comfortable. Your bed may even be softer than your bed at home—maybe it’s time we start putting mattress pads on both our beds. And for those of you dread the running start necessary to get onto your way-too-high bed—suck it up and get a step stool! If you ever doubt why you should be thankful for your bed just think of all those great college naps you’ve taken between classes this semester.
5. Floormates turned best friends
For freshman that came to Tulane looking to make new college friends, your floor has provided you with the perfect opportunity to do so. You now live around other girls and boys eager to get involved, like yourself and I bet you’ve had the time to get close to a few of them. It’s nice to be able to walk down the hall to a friend’s room when you’re bored and not busy with your new college workload. Upperclassman, don’t worry you can still make floor friends too! Although some people will have that whole “I’m a sophomore, I don’t need any new friends” mindset, others will make time to hangout on their floor. You’ll meet classmates you never knew existed. Be thankful for the friends you’ve made and the friends who may be living right next door to you!
6. The Freedom
You’re living alone now, away from your parents and your siblings—unless your twin brother lives in the dorm across from you like me—which can only mean one thing: FREEDOM! Say goodbye to curfews and rules and hello to late nights and not having to worry if it’s ok with your mom for your friends to come over. Your room means your rules—and your roommate’s of course! Living alone also give you the opportunity to mature. Take some time and think about how much better you’ve gotten at managing your time, doing your laundry, and just being self-motivated in general since starting college. Great job collegiates!
Happy Thanksgiving Y’all! Have a great break!
Remember Tulane…Defend New Orleans, Defend Your Dorm!
Do you think your dorm has what it takes to be raided? Email rshinner@tulane.edu