Thank you Kayli for an amazing first year. I would've been lost without you.

I know these types of posts come up all the time, but your first college roommate really may have a huge impact on your college experience. My roommate became my best friend by the end of the school year. The saddest part about transferring is knowing that I won't be attending the same school as her anymore (she is transferring too, but to a different school). My roommate became my mom, sister, best friend, mentor, role model, hype woman, and backbone in all different scenarios. She was also my brain when I was making stupid decisions. Whether I needed her to get lunch with me, return one of my many books at the library at 3 AM so I could get the next one, or brush my hair after my showers, she was always my helping hand. I mean what other roommate would walk to your school store, in their bathrobe with you, to get a slim jim? I am truly honored to call her my best friend and I aspire to be like her one day.

For people who know Kayli, she lights up a room the moment she walks into it. Whether she tells a silly joke, asks a question, smiles, or awkwardly stands there because she doesn't know what else to do, everyone gravitates towards her. It is a quality many people wish they had but not all are able to fulfill it. Kayli does it without thinking about her actions. She becomes herself and speaks her mind. There have been many times that I have laughed so hard I cry because of her. She definitely has started to rub off on me with certain aspects because I catch myself replying to questions in the same way she would. She always says "Umm...okay sure!" in a way that you know she doesn't quite agree but will let you learn your lesson. I catch myself replying, in the same way, all the time now. I don't mean to be a phrase stealer though, all credits go to her! I hope in the future she continues to influence me as powerfully as she already has.

Now, we are very different. She sees black and white, while I see grey. She doesn't like stress, while that is what motivates me to work. Those differences and many more, have gotten us into some trouble. We lived together for a full school year and we only fought three times. Looking back on them now, we can laugh. We could definitely not laugh while we were in those fights though. They were intense and honestly kind of scary. We never really had little fights so when we had a problem, it was a serious topic. We also handle the way we resolve fights very differently. I like to talk and confront them head-on while Kayli likes to wait it out. We eventually got over our three fights and I think they have made us stronger in the end. Just like any family, we had disagreements but we pushed through. She could scream from the mountains that she hates me, but she is my family now, and I am not going anywhere.

A little tip: Remember, you are living with this person so even if you have a problem with them, you will need to see them that night. It is amazing practice for when you are older and get married. There will be awkward tension and you will feel slightly on edge, but it will pass. Do not let one little fight ruin a friendship because I know for us, we could have let that happen. Both of us are very emotional and we take things to heart. I am glad that neither let it get to that point and we are able to stay as close as we are.

Besides our fights, we have had amazing memories that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. Kay, thank you for helping me in this transition and for just being you. We had a rocky start but our ending is nowhere near the end. I can not wait to see what adventures we will encounter and what obstacles we will tackle in the future. I wish you the best of luck at your new school and I hope you know I am always here for you. Love you Kay, you are like a sister to me. You are my little orchid and I am so happy I am your sunflower. You will grow to be a strong, beautiful lady, and I can't wait to be by your side as you grow.