We hear horror stories about dorm life-particularly concerning the oh-so-dreaded roommate. They’ll keep you up all night, or wake you up at the crack of dawn; they’ll have no personal boundaries; they’ll steal your stuff; they’ll have that one habit that you can’t stand; you’ll be polar opposites and never get along, whatever it may be, SOMETHING is going to go wrong. I was lucky enough to never even have those thoughts cross my mind, and I think it’s only fair to give a little thanks.
I have had the pleasure of rooming with two lovely ladies thus far. I first met a beautiful woman with a passion for theater. She is creative, innovative, caring, and so brave. We weren’t living together for long, but in the short time we did, she taught me that some of the hardest decisions we have to make are the ones we have to make for ourselves. Because of her, I know that we will be faced with times where none of the possible outcomes are going to be pleasant, and by no means are they going to be easy. I know that we can’t always make everyone happy. But I also know that we have to do what’s best for us. I have the utmost respect for her, and I hope that she’s doing well and is happy with whatever she may choose to do. She truly deserves it.
In October, I moved into a new dorm with someone I knew very vaguely from marching band. She was in my section, she was funny, and she needed out of her previous rooming situation. It was the best option-but I was nervous. As it turns out, she’s the best thing that’s happened to me in college. After a couple days of an awkward transition, we bonded over the silliest jokes, things that didn’t even make sense; a mutual passion for music, the arts, stars, and all things beautiful in this world; the troubles we’d faced or were facing; and immense relief that this new person was actual pretty amazing. It was strange at first, feeling like I was looking into a mirror. She had understood things about me that I didn’t even get myself. She always knew what to say. She knew what meme was going to make me laugh today, or the fact that stupid memes made me laugh in the first place. She’d leave me motivational notes when I really didn’t want to go to theory, or my lesson had beaten me down. I could go on forever and ever. We have the cutest little room on campus, we’re best friends, and I couldn’t imagine college-or life-without her.
I guess I just really wanted to say thanks. You’re both beautiful, phenomenal, strong, and overall amazing people, and I have such an appreciation and love for you. I couldn’t imagine coming to Whitewater without you.
