The idea of roommates truly scared me at first; what if we don’t get along? Hate each other? Can’t stand one another? Spend all our time ignoring each other? I had heard and seen the horror stories that can come with sharing a home with others. With being such close proximity with each other, especially when we are used to having our own space, things can get messy...which was something I really wanted to avoid my freshman year.
The people we meet and socialize with in college are the people to be our bridesmaids, maid of honor, best man, groomsmen, and lifelong friends. They are the ones we will always remember and keep in touch with no matter where our paths take us. The friendships made here are set to last a lifetime. The people my parents invite over for a barbecue are the ones they met in college, they share stories of crazy times and lots of laughter. I wanted that.
All worries vanished the moment I walked into the front door of my dorm and was greeted with my roommate unpacking a big box of rice (since then it has become a door stop) and another engulfing me in a huge hug. I knew then we would be great friends.
Now, we aren’t all the same, in fact, we are really different in so many ways. But our contrasts compliment each other. Some of us are homebodies, a few outgoing, and so many different interests between us. Through these contrasts, we are able to experience new things and venture onto new paths we probably wouldn’t have normally taken. Already, I have gotten out of my shell and gone on so many adventures.
They encourage me to further my relationship with God and keep me accountable for my actions. We have gone to different churches every Sunday, and thrive to grow closer in our faith together. I am so excited to see what God has in store for all of us. To see Him working in our lives is truly amazing.
The minute our parents dropped us off, we all huddled together and explored our new home; we took trips off campus to the ever-so-famous Dutch Bros. and bonded with each other over food and music -- it hasn’t stopped there. We have gone on late night trips to Top Golf, many Sonic runs, shopping trips, hiking, Scottsdale adventures, a road trip to the Grand Canyon, and we are even planning a trip to Disneyland in the near future.
Grand Canyon University has brought so many wonderful people into my life already. I’ve met some of the funniest and most genuine friends on campus, and I am thrilled to see who else I come across. These girls are more than just roommates to me -- they are my sisters. We aren’t always perfect, we have our clashes and the usual disagreements, but at the end of the day I would do anything for them, and they the same towards me. The good outweighs the bad and by the end of the semester we will have had so many adventures and memories to tell our children and fill up our diaries.
If you haven’t found your group yet, or a friend that you really connect with, I urge you to not give up. Grand Canyon has so many opportunities to meet new people and find your place. If it’s not your roommates, then maybe it’s that person you laugh with during class, or a coworker. You will find someone; you just need to get out there.
