I can personally say that you never actually know someone until you've spent a 15-hour car drive with them, shared a hotel room for five nights, and then drive again for another 15 hours on the way back. Spring break is great for college students. It's a nice relaxed time for students find warmer weather and happier times. If you're not careful, it can also make or break your relationship. As for me, it made my relationships with some of my five closest friends, arguably so.
I was fortunate enough to spend my spring break on the white sand of Fort Walton, Florida. Although it was 58 degrees all week, the sun reflected my heart: warm, happy and bright. I cannot help but thank the company who made that happen. Graduation has been on our hearts for a while. With spring break marking only eight weeks left, we took the opportunity to run across the sand cutting loose of the panicked feeling of what's left to come in the next few weeks. Before I miss my opportunity, here is something I want to tell you all.
In my small town high school, I had some good friends but I have never had friends like you. I bounced around from clique to clique but could never actually find my spot. Then I met you all and the pieces literally fell into place. Everyone has their days of feeling as though they don't belong. As for me, I haven't felt that way in a while. The laughs we shared this past week will forever be engrained in my heart.
At one time on the beach together, it was mentioned that we wished we were kids again and careless of the chilly breeze, we then could just play in the water anyways with no cares. Did we play in the water? No. In that week, we were kids. We were careless. The only thing we worried about was how high the UV index was or how burnt one of us would get. Luckily, I wasn't the friend that got burnt to a crisp.
You may not realize it, but you all have reminded me that laughing is so much easier than worrying. You all know me well: I worry way too much. When I began to worry or stress, one of you would pop off with something smart that made me giggle and relax a little. Something I did learn, that I wish I hadn't, is the fact that I can't graduate and leave you guys.
I know we all have separate places to go and I'm dreading that moment. I just hope you realize that no matter how far we are apart, I will be a phone call away, anticipating the next time I see you again. (I also encourage us to live in the same neighborhood.)
While at the karaoke bar, a stranger began to sang, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Huston, as we screeched it at the top of our lungs together, I fell deeper in love with the small ISU family we have created. Before time goes by quickly, I want you all to know this wasn't just a spring break to me, but the life break and encouragement I needed. You guys are the best roommates, not friends, that I have ever had.
