Dear sixth floor,
It has been heck of a semester, I'll say that.
I had heard a lot of things about Lathrop Hall before coming here. I had heard crazy, loud, disgusting, terrible, trashy, but never the one word that actually describes it – fun. As much as it can be stressful, especially during the weekends of Homecoming and Halloween, you guys have made my experience amazing, and I thank you for that.
During our first mandatory meeting, I stood above you guys on the staircase staring back at 80 tired, anxious, and excited faces. You had said goodbye to your families, goodbye to your hometowns, goodbye to your friends, and probably goodbye to your dog. At that point all you all wanted to do was unpack and prepare for the long week of formal recruitment that was ahead for you. Instead, you sat and listened to Kristen and I talk and played a game with each other. I was disheartened after that meeting because I felt like it hadn't gone well and was convinced you all hated me. Little did I know how untrue that last part was.
Thank you for asking me how my day is going. Many of my days are long, filled with classes, meetings and events. Sometimes my first time back to Lathrop after I left for class in the morning can be at 9:30 p.m. It is always really nice whenever you guys ask.
Thank you for sharing your late-night food orders with me. Even if I'm in my room about to go to sleep, you will run into my room, jump and lay in my bed and then drag me out into the lounge to eat pizza with you guys.
Thank you for making me laugh. There is never a dull moment with you guys. When I'm having a bad day, your jokes and funny stories help make it all better.
Thank you for letting me borrow your clothes whenever I need to. Seriously, though. This year there have been so many times where what I have in my closet would not suffice. You guys are always so open and helpful when I don't have what I need whether that be a tennis skirt, an ugly Christmas sweater or a cute top.
Thank you for reminding me to have some fun every once in awhile. My schedule is jam packed most days and I barely have time to myself to just relax. Seriously, sometimes it's just so needed.
Thank you for all of the love. I've run into people in the elevator who ask if "I'm Neeti, the sixth floor RA" and when I tell them that I am they respond with "OMG everybody loves you up there."
Even when you guys come back from going out and you have some of your friends with you, you all come into my room so they can meet me. It really does mean a lot to me that you guys do love me and not hate me as I thought previously.
A lot of people come into an RA position, looking to change lives and make a difference. I have no idea if I have done that, but I do know one thing: You guys have changed mine and I am so incredibly blessed for that.
Know that I am always here for you and would do almost anything to ensure that your freshman year is nothing less amazing.
Best of luck on finals and have an amazing break. I love you all so much and cannot wait to see what next semester brings.
Love,
Neeti
