For myself, like many people, college was my first experience living independently; however, I would not have survived without you. My alarm clock on the hard days, you got me out of bed when I didn’t want to. My personal therapist, you helped me work through many rough patches. My punching bag, you gave me someone to fight. You were my roommate and I will be forever grateful.
Coming from a small town in the middle of nowhere, integrating into city life was difficult. No longer could my door be left unlocked at night. The grocery store was no longer a short walk away. My family continued its residence out of state and my friends from high school said their goodbyes the night of graduation. Going to college has always been an exciting dream, but as it materialized, the anxiety of change came to the forefront.
Before move in day I saw your photo, but seeing you in real life assured me I would be okay with whatever was about to happen. We laughed, cried, fought, and took care of each other in ways I had never expected. Late nights were filled with trips to the ER, breakups, parties, comedy, dance parties, studying, and all around love, no matter the circumstance. We have had more laughs than I think I have shared with anyone. Sometimes the best thing you can do is laugh it out. You forced me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to blossom into who I am today.
When we fought, it was never with mal intent and always with room to grow. We argued, disagreed, and our kitchen almost caught on fire! You really have seen me at my worst, but you allowed me to be vulnerable through it and loved me no matter what. I learned to own up to my flaws and strive to improve them. Going into freshman year, I was naive to the world, but you helped me shift to a new perspective.
More than roommates, we became a family. You will be my bridesmaid, an aunt to my children, and sister in my heart forever. Maybe it’s just luck, but I think fate brought this power-team together. There is not a moment of freshman year I would alter or change and I am grateful for every near-death, eye-opening, heart-filling experience we had together.
Thank you.