If there’s one aspect outside of rowing and being on campus that I love, it’s the reality that so many people are better than you expect if you just give them the chance. A real chance. Each day someone new surprises me by coming into my life. Both of my roommates are two of the sweetest, smartest, and funniest people I’ve ever met. But, the best part is all three of us are different.

Monique loves The Office and Parks and Rec, drinking elegant teas, eating a cheeseburger for lunch, and listening to the swinging sounds of the 50s and 60s.

Fran is the biggest heavy metal fan I’ve met and the most badass of all of them, she loves to laugh, go for runs, and take walks when she feels inspired.

Me...well I’m still trying to figure that out. But I can tell you that I’m crazy enough to wake up between four and five in the morning to row in freezing temperatures, nap intermittently during the day, jam to music of the decades, do multiple loads of laundry, and photograph the beauty that is UNH’s campus and the moments I’m experiencing while I’ve been here. Part of me, though, feels like I should be doing more, that I should be a part of more. I love rowing, but I’m exhausted after our morning practices to have any sort of motivation to go to class, let alone commit to other activities; some days I wonder if it’s worth it. At those times when I’m second guessing, are the same times I force myself to quickly look outside the boat to look up at the burning sunrise, or laugh a little harder with the people in my boat, or realize that I am not in this alone. Being here; in college, I feel like I’m becoming a little adult in the best way possible. The amount of opportunities I have each day astonish me, and the people I meet along the way make it all the more enjoyable.

Vince, a tall goofball with an addictive smile, is someone who just makes you feel happy, and it doesn’t hurt to know someone with similar interests and tastes in music and movies.

Emma, a beautiful and vibrant lady who shares my appreciation for poop jokes, belching, laughing hysterically, and eating late night sprinkle waffles.

Ben, a passionate and dedicated athlete who also loves vegetables, animals, and the French language.

Oh and so mannnnnyyyy morrreeeee.

Like I said, new people surprise you each day when you give them the chance. I definitely feel impatient some days when it comes to certain experiences, but at the same time, I’m sort of thankful that they haven’t happened yet because maybe in some way, somehow, it’s meant to be so for unknown reasons.