To My Girl Gang –

They say that your welcome week friends don’t last, but oh boy did we prove them wrong.

Now is the time that I will try to remember how I met all of you and how you all have stuck.

Shan, my roomie, my ray of sunshine, my Australian surfer rad gal pal, I will never forget how bright you were the first time we met. You opened your arms so big when you saw me like we had known each other our whole lives. You have an old soul, my friend but I know that you will stay as young and effervescently radiant as you are always, forever.

Angelica, I ran into you in the hall during welcome week and had to turn around because of how genuinely happy you sounded when you literally only said, “Hi”. I’m so glad I did because you make me so incredibly happy every single day. Thanks for being my wall neighbor, my driving buddy, and the person I can tell anything to.

Grace, I don’t know what you said during that Willi orientation room meeting in the common room, but hell I never know what you’re saying. But we looked at each other and laughed for the first time that day and I so thoroughly enjoy doing that every single hour on the hour every single day. I’m always watching Wazowski, always watching. You get me, but you already know that.

Julia, Ju, Coolia, Ju Ju on that beat – thanks for always spicing up my life. Honestly could not tell you wear we met, or how, or when, but thank God you, very cringily might I say, danced your way over into my life. You are my cuddle buddy, my ATO dance partner, my secret holder. Thanks for forever being a weenie with me.

Annie Grace, like Grace you never fail to make me laugh. You were right there with her during the meeting but I could hear what you had to say (unlike Grace who sneakily says everything under breath). I always love hearing what you have to say – because God do you know your shit. And God are you one strong cookie.

Natalie, what better place for us to meet than Pittenger’s search class. I knew you would be a sassy, witty, passionate, loyal friend and I’m so happy you finally joined our group chat. I so admire your “no one fuck with me” attitude. P.S. gimme your skin.

Tay, Tiddy, Ted, like Julia I can’t remember where or when we first met but you are so awesomely unforgettable. You are one crazy wild child and you are a constant reminder to not give a shit when you really don’t have to. I never know what I’m gonna get from you, thanks for making freshman year an adventure.

Here is a list of the things that I have learned during my freshman, with your help this year, girls:

1. It’s okay to lie down in the pod hallway if you’re just not feeling going to your bed 5 feet away.
2. The Rat isn’t too bad if it’s fam dinner.
3. Britney Spears should never go to ATO Halloween.
4. Eat Babalu guac, anytime.
5. Don’t all watch the same Netflix series at the same time, or do, not really sure on this one.
6. OH noooo.
7. Cry.
8. Make a Memphis food bucket list, we still need to go to Sushi Jimmi.
9. Go to the movies more often.
10. 10. Let go of the people who don’t value you and stay close to the people who make you unconditionally happy.

Thank you all for making my freshman year unconditionally happy.