Dear Roomies,
It has been nearly two months since I have seen your lovely faces every day. As I embark on my study abroad trip, I’m thinking of all the highs and lows freshman year brought. Through all the midterm study sessions, registration panic attacks and late night chicken tender cravings, one thing has remained the same: my roommates. I was lucky enough to live with not just one, but two beautiful roommates this first year. Although 500 words will never be enough, here are a few reasons to thank your first roommate(s).
1. They were your first college friend.
Before the big move-in day, you were likely emailing your freshman roommates introductions about yourselves, who wanted the bed by the window, who would bring the fridge and such decisions. After this, you likely became Facebook friends (I’m sorry Bridget for declining your friend request at first). They were there during the first day of orientation, first day of classes, first time you went to a hula hoop fitness class and the last day of finals. Your roommate was probably your only friend that first week because let’s be honest, they were the only person who remembered your name.
2. They somehow learned to live with your annoying habits.
No offense, but we are not perfect people and there is always something to complain about. I mean, my roommates are not bad people and actually easy to live with. However, thank you for putting up with my loud buzzing alarm, all the hair in the sink and when I locked myself out, for coming to the rescue.
3. They were always up for late night talks.
Remember that first time we stayed up way passed our bedtimes? Things got real, real weird, but real. The conversations began while the lights were on and continued until our eyelids could no longer handle the sleep deprivation and took over. I can’t say I remember what was said in those late night hours, but thanks for talking, listening and laughing until we cried all those times.
4. They were there for all the lows and highs.
It is difficult being away from home and sometimes, it got stressful. Through all of the lows, your roommate was there to motivate, to support and to stress eat with you. Yet, they were also there to celebrate and to share in your happiness when you passed your biology exam and got accepted into study abroad. They pushed you to be your best, all while helping you to pick out fabulous outfits.
5. They understand you more than you understand yourself.
Living in such close proximity, you quickly learn each other’s interesting behaviors. One of my roommates would wake up and talk to me in the middle of night, then not remember any of it the next morning. The other one had an adorable snore that she was unaware of. Apparently, I mumble while I sleep.
I am filled with nostalgia looking back on my first year of college and realizing that we have come a long way since meeting for the first time last August. I had nothing but my two roommates back then and I am glad we’ve been able to grow together. Although we will not be rooming together next year, I know I can always count of you both to be there. I mean, we are all living on the same floor.
Thank you for making Mehling 311 feel like home.
