When I first started college in 2015 I was a freshman at Alvernia University. My biggest fear was not being able to find "my group". I always had trouble letting people in. I met tons of great people that lived in my hallway. Each and every single one of them was so unique and special in their own ways, but I never really felt like "family" to them. Sure, we hung out a lot, ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, we were there for each other through some events. But I never really felt connected.
I took a semester off, because of financial issues and started my second semester at Millersville University this year, 2016. As soon as Orientation week started I met a number of people, but of course that number dimmed down to only a few people that actually mattered to me; Mckenna, Michael, and Alex.
Alex lived in a pod (a dorm suit that holds 9 people I believe) and one day he invited me over to hang out with him after we had got dinner that one night. He introduced me to all the other guys and before you know it beautiful friendships evolved. I met Cameron, Peter, Garrett, David, Brett, the other Alex in the room, Jeff, Audjay, and Austin (who is basically a myth).
Next thing you know, I spent all of my time, day and night, at the pod. I basically lived with them and they actually started to treat me like their sister. Pulling pranks on me by hiding my blanket in the ceiling, and asking me for help with homework or life advice, I've grown to love and accept these boys into my life.
Now that I've got the boring introduction part over and done with, I can't stress enough how much I love and appreciate and care for my boys in the pod. Each and every single one of them holds a special place in my heart and has a special bond with me. I make sure they've finished homework, go to bed on time, wake up for class, and that their just feeling okay for the day.
Whenever one of them is feeling down, sick, or hurt I'm there. If someone needs help with their homework, I go into instant mother mode of the tiniest things. And whats even more amazing is how they are all there to take care of me and be there for me in return. It touches my heart when I'm walking to class and Audjay stops me to ask me how my day is going, or when Garrett excitedly tells me how he just aced his test, he was so proud of himself. I love hearing about everyones' day and their excitement to show me their new packages that came in the mail. I love it when Alex gets a little too sleep deprived and I tuck him into bed at night and when Little Alex (the other Alex) breaks out of his quiet shell to talk to me. I love when Jeff calls me into his room to show me his videogame characters and smiles at me like he's so proud of himself. I love it when Brett tells me about his day and asks me for advice on life. I love it when Cameron and I nap together in the middle of the day. And I really love my 1am chicken nugget runs with Peter. I share a special bond, a special quality with all of the boys.
Whenever I'm feeling anxious or sad, they instantly become concerned and say, "Who do I have to beat up?" They have always been there to protect me, to wipe my tears away, to make sure I've finished throwing up everywhere, they make sure I'm not hurting in any way and that I'm always getting enough sleep. When I'm sitting out on the bench, Garrett, Jeff, or Brett will always stop and take a seat with me and talk for a little. They know how damaged I am and they do their best to make me smile.
It warms my heart to know they've accepted me for who I am, their pod mom. And to be honest, I think I've finally found my college family.
