To the newest inhabitant of Pillsbury 213:
Congratulations. You've just scored the best room on campus at Stephens. Sure, the blinds don't work, the furnace creaks – a lot – the air conditioner smells like mildew, and there are paint marks on the floor (don't ask how they got there, they've been there forever), but this dorm is a magical place full of memories, time spent with friends, countless hours of studying and late-night food runs. The acoustics are amazing for blasting music, playing a musical instrument or for belting along to "Let it Go" at 3 a.m. (no judgment, either way). I've stayed in this dorm since I first arrived at Stephens. There have been incredible triumphs in this room, and some bitter losses, but still, these are the memories that make up this room.
I am going to save you a lot of time and let you know that the bed looks best under the south-facing window. Facilities likes to move it to the corner by the north wall. Don't let them. If you have a cat, the closets are a fantastic place to store its litter box. The toilet is in close access if you ever have too much fun on the weekend, but you should never, ever flush food down the toilet, it will clog the piping and you'll have problems with your shower. The fan is the fastest way to cool the room down in the mid-Missouri heat (it's also a lot quieter than the air conditioner).
You don't have to follow my guidance. Feel free to move your bed anywhere you want to. Build your own room design. Paint the walls if you want to. (But seriously, no matter what you do, NEVER flush food down the toilet.)
Maybe you're a freshman, embarking on your college journey. Maybe you've been on campus for a while. Maybe you're a senior, like me. Maybe we already know each other. Regardless, I am so delighted to welcome you to the sisterhood of Pillsbury 213. Please treat the room well, and remember all of the Stephens women who've lived there before you – the building is from the early 1930s, so you know there have been a lot of them.
I've made a lot of great memories in that room. I hope you are able to fill the room with your own.
Best of luck,
The former tenant of Pillsbury 213.
