Ah, Flannery O'Connor 210B, I have so many mixed emotions about you. We had quite the year together, and you helped me grow in so many ways. Not only did I have to adjust to college life (dorm living being a large part of that transition), but the events that came with moving in to 210B are what shaped my freshman year.
As move week approached, I knew there was an empty bed in 210B, and I knew I wanted to live in Flan. So, three weeks into the year, I moved in. My first night was the first sign that the rest of the year would be nothing short of absurd, yet hilarious, and blessed. One of the first conversations I had with my new roommate and suitemates was when they told me that they thought our room was haunted. This was not the best way to settle into a new dorm room. As I was trying to fall asleep, my new roommate and two suitemates were in the other room screaming about boys. This is actually how I imagined dorm life to be, but I guess I never thought these conversations would continue at the same volume capacity as it started, or until 2 a.m. Late night decisions to order pizza or Chinese food, complete with fears about stolen credit card information due to ordering from a sketchy pizza place (go Pizza Mart!) are what made my first few weeks in 210B.
To this day, I believe I was completely blessed with my roommate. Nicole, you taught me so much about hard work, determination, friendship, and life. Although we only got to spend four months together, I learned more from you than I did in Theology 201 with you and Britt. When we parted ways for winter break, I knew I would come back from vacation and see your empty bed and feel sad that you transferred, but I never thought I would cry the way I did when we said goodbye. It was partly traumatizing, and partly humiliating, but also so bittersweet.
The month after winter break passed, and I essentially had a single. The freedom was nice, but I knew Nicole's space would soon be filled. Thus began the roommate speed dating process, and I finally landed myself another awesome roommate. Becca, we lived so well together, and rearranging our furniture made 210B feel a little more like home. I got so lucky to have another incredible roommate who shared some of the same values as me, who supported me through rough times during spring semester, and who wanted to stay up late talking about friends from home.
In all of 210, tears were shed, all nighters were pulled, copious amounts of coffee was consumed, and King Wok was practically inhaled on a weekly (and sometimes more frequent) basis. Trips to Flan Mart in pajamas and slippers were not out of the ordinary, and Cookie Dough Cafe became a fall midterm must-have. Our ground floor windows were almost too perfect for the people watching we tended to do when we were bored, although we did have to risk being seen by our peers.
So I owe a lot of my growth this past year to you, Flannery O'Connor Hall Room 210B. You provided me with an escape from classes, drama, and the university as a whole, however at the same time, you perfectly captured what college is all about. As thrilled as I am to be living in an apartment this year, and as happy as I was to leave you, and freshman year behind, I miss you. I miss your annoying door that would either slam or not close all the way, I miss the shade that we had to hold down with books, water bottles, and nail polish, and finally, I am grateful for the lessons you taught and provided me with.
xo,
Gracie
