I lucked out in my freshman year of college. Many people leave their first year loathing the person they were forced to share a shoe box-sized bedroom with for a year. I, however, left my first year with one of the closest friends in my life.
My freshman year roommate wasn't a thorn in my side but rather a confidant, supporter, and sister when I needed it most. I learned so many things from this amazing woman, and over two years later, she still teaches me lessons every day. I have so much to thank her for.
1. For watching inspirational audition videos with me instead of doing homework.
2. For making vanilla coke the thing we bought each other when we were having a rough day.
3. For listening to me talk for far too long the day I met the man of my dreams.
4. For showing me what a strong woman looks like.
5. For turning our jail cell-sized room into a giant fort with me.
6. For staying by my side on our first day on campus and helping me not feel alone.
7. For writing a song for me on 60 sticky notes for my birthday.
8. For looking out for me when weird boys tried to date me.
9. For belting "Wrecking Ball" and crying to "Say Something" with me when we hated boys.
10. For making the times between winter break and spring break more enjoyable than I thought possible.
11. For making our little room and our giant campus feel like home.
12. For bringing me ice, movies, and a variety of foods when I was sick.
13. For making sure I woke up on time and went to class.
14. For letting me into your life.
15. For the multiple nights of weird cat videos.
16. For describing us living together as "cohabitating."
17. For being there on the best day of my life thus far.
18. For agreeing to stand by me on my wedding day.
19. For spending more lazy days with me than we would like to admit.
20. For creating our own language because of typos.
21. For the middle of the night arts and crafts projects.
22. For being the Serena to my Blair.
23. For admitting that you Facebook stalked me as much as I did you when we got our room assignments.
24. For not being as strange and scary as I thought you'd be (and for agreeing that I wasn't as strange or scary as you thought I'd be).
25. For being my biggest supporter.
26. For being my home away from home.
27. For being a sister.
28. For being someone I know I can count on 10, 15, and 20 years from now.
29. For being the best roommate and friend I could ever ask for.
I was lucky coming to college. Lucky because I got stuck with the best roommate around. Even though we had the smallest documented room, I wouldn't change a thing about it. I am grateful that you hold the title of my best friend. I'm grateful that we have each other to go to in the rough times of our life, because I really don't know what I would have done over the years without that. You give me hope that good, strong people exist. I am lucky to call you my friend for life. Thanks for being you.
