There is only a month left of school. Only a month left of my first year of college. It's almost unbelievable how much everything has changed. As I look back and reflect, I realize one of the most impactful parts about leaving home and coming to Emory was living with a complete stranger.

Perhaps not a complete stranger, but my roommate, Rehnuma, and I had only communicated through Facebook Messenger for three months. We also never called each other. I had never heard her voice until I met her on move-in day. After setting up my dorm, I looked around my room and paused at the second bed. I would be sharing a room and it wouldn't be my sister sleeping in the other bed.

I would never have imagined how our relationship would change over the next couple months. We began learning how to maneuver around each other's quirks and habits. She sometimes stayed up late to study in the room while I was trying to sleep. I liked to keep the window open while I was in the room. Initially, we would ask each other if it was ok to open a window or turn on the heat. A month later, I would turn off the heat without asking if the room was becoming unbearably stuffy. Silently acknowledging each other's preferences allowed us to avoid conflict and show we care about each other.

Moreover, we weren't just roommates, but we felt more like family.

Sharing a small space forced us to see each other at our most private times. We helped each other recover from bad test grades and offer advice about our schedules. I would tell my parents about what's going on, but Rehnuma understood what I was experiencing better than they would. She would text me about the food she put in the fridge and that I am welcome to eat it. I would wake her up for class if she slept through her alarm. We posted our schedules on the wall so we would know where the other person was during the day.

The moment I realized the extent of my roommate's thoughtfulness was the morning of my birthday. I had just woke up and sleepily grabbed my phone to check the time. She was going to the bathroom and wished me happy birthday as she smiled.

"Your birthday gift is on your desk," she said before leaving. A set of two beautifully designed journals and a card sat on my desk. She knew I love to write and wrote in my journal daily. Despite only living with me for two and a half months, she gifted me with an item I would definitely appreciate and use.

I am fortunate enough to have a roommate who I get along with, who genuinely cares for me, and whom I can count on for a favor. It's always reassuring to know someone has your back. Quite literally in my case since I almost fell out of my bed once and woke up to her trying to move me onto my mattress (Thank you, Rehnuma!)

My friends ask me how it is to live with a roommate; do we get along or just tolerate each other's presence? I always say we are definitely friends.

I believe the key to having a good roommate experience is by not ignoring them and getting by to avoid a fight but to make an effort to show you care for each other in small ways.

Sometimes you still won't get along, but it will make it absolutely better when you are both nice to each other.

Due to certain circumstances, we won't be roommates next year. I can honestly say I am going to miss living with her. Rehnuma taught me what living with another person should be like: being considerate to one another, wordlessly helping the other out, and supporting each other.

Nonetheless, I do look forward to getting to know what it is like to live with my new roommate.