Moving away, meeting new friends, starting a new school, and adapting to a completely new environment are just some of the struggles one goes through when August comes around.

The first night at college is always the scariest, but it can be exciting, and it can be very interesting. The move-in madness and the college “newbie” nerves has everyone around you pretending to be someone they are not.

Before entering college, dormitory students must take a matchmaking personality test to see which living scenario, dorm and what types of people would be their best fit as roommates. This is done to avoid instances where people disagree, don’t get along, and eventually have to change from their room assignment. For me, I was extremely lucky because this test paired me with eight really great girls.

In addition to rooming with my new-found BFFs, I was placed in a suite with a lot of extra living space, a great room and even a private bathroom. It was a great place to live!

The perils of throwing eight girls in a room together who don’t know each other could have led to many bumps in the road. After experiencing my first couple months in school and dorm living, I realized something and that was how lucky and thankful I was to have such an amazing group of girls in my life that I now call my my roomies.

Thank you for the movie nights.

The perfect way to wind down is by sharing some laughs, popcorn and a great movie with your suitemates.

Thank you for the endless dance sessions.

Somehow, you ladies put up with a year of me randomly dancing throughout the common room. Watch out, this chick has got some new moves to rock this year!

Thank you for the “family dinner nights.”

Oh man, these nights are ones to remember, being our food seems to go everywhere except our mouths!

Thank you for the unhealthy amount of snacks we shared.

Somehow we all manage to stay in good shape considering we often lived on ice cream, cookie dough and candy from the café. There is no other group of girls I want to share this incredibly unhealthy journey through college with.

Thank you for the late night adventures.

Between the stargazing, food runs, and explorations around Connecticut, we’ve had our fair share of life after hours at the Q.

Thank you for being honest.

Whether looking for the perfect outfit, the final ideas for a paper, or on how to reply to a text, I can always count on you gals for your honest opinion on the right thing to do.

Thank you for being my “cheerleaders."

You all are able to cheer me up on the darkest of days even when I didn’t think anything could put a smile on my face. Besides that, the support system we have built for one another is truly incredible. Wether athletically or academically we are always there to encourage one another to be the best “me” we can be.

Thank you for letting me be myself.

Coming to college was such a nerve-racking experience. Personally I was scared I wouldn’t make any friends and would instantly become homesick. After the first week, I knew I was blessed with something special knowing that I was accepted for who I am. Our relationships are so special that I feel I have been awarded the perfect school, the most perfect friends, and more importantly a perfect new family.

Thank you for providing a family.

“Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” –Unknown

The relationship we have gained in the past year has gotten me so excited to continue to build our memories in the years to come.

Thank you for being you.

You ladies are beautiful, fun, drama free, and amazing roommates. Roomies only one could dream of being matched with. You crazy ladies have made my first year unforgettable; I can’t wait to spend the next couple years with you lovely girls by my side. Let the memories continue!