As my Freshman year comes to a close, I reflect back on all of the things that made my first year of college everything that it was. So many things happened; so many things changed. But out of all my experiences, there is one thing I know I will never forget... and that is you. I never thought I would say this, but I am so glad that I got to experience my rookie year of college with you, university housing. So to express my appreciation, here is a personal shoutout to you.
Shoutout to you... for giving me freedom.
Although there were some rules, living in the dorms was basically like living in my own teeny tiny apartment. Band posters? Everywhere. Xbox? Why not. Mini fridge? Absolutely. That 11'x16' room was all mine, and because of you, I could do with it whatever I desired. But the best part definitely had to be the fact that you had no security system or doors that beeped obnoxiously anytime I tried to sneak out after midnight.
Shoutout to you... for giving me friends.
I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be like without the friends I made in the dorms. It was awkward as hell at first, but after a couple weeks of casually letting the guy next door borrow forks for his easy mac and repeatedly unlocking the door for the one girl who always forgot her I.D., we were basically family. At this point, if any of my hall-mates knocked on the door before walking into my room I would be pretty shocked.
Shoutout to you... for teaching me how to "rough it."
I honestly couldn't tell you the last time I've taken a bath, eaten a home cooked meal, or had 30 minutes of alone time. Dorm life taught me that not everything is luxurious and convenient. Sometimes, we have to deal with cold showers because both of our suitemates decided they were going to use all the hot water. Or we have to learn how to sleep through the noise of our neighbors stumbling in drunk at 3am. Dorm life isn't perfect.
Shoutout to you... for giving me the opportunity.
Perhaps the best part about living in the dorms was having the opportunity to wake up every day and attend such a great university. University housing ensured always being in the middle of the action, seeing everything happening on campus, and luckily, being less than 5 minutes away from most of our classes. Because showing up to class with your hair still wet from the shower is a thing.
Shoutout to you... for giving me an experience.
College is all about the different experiences you make, and this was one I am definitely glad that I made. You watched me thrive, you watched me fall on my face attempting to thrive, and somewhere along the way, you watched me become a bigger person because of it all. I will never forget the crazy memories that were made inside your walls.
Good riddance, dorm life! I may actually miss you from time to time.
