Dear roommates,

Now that we’re over halfway done with college, I’ve been getting nostalgic about all the times we’ve shared since living in those subpar dorms freshman year. After all the crazy memories we’ve made up until now, I couldn’t be more thankful for the relationships we’ve made with each other—I also couldn’t be sadder to think that the time has been flying by way too quickly.

So, here’s to you: the driven, goofy, incredible women that I’ve been doing this whole “college” thing with. Cheers to us.

From figuring out how to live on our own (remember that time when I put the wrong soap in our first dishwasher, and it completely overflowed? Yeah, me too), to spending ridiculously long nights at the library together, to being there for each other through all the ups and downs of relationships, I think it’s safe to say that we’ve been through it all together—seriously.

Saying thank you doesn’t do our time together any justice, but I’m going to try my best.

Thank you for always making me feel validated through all my decisions—whether they’re smart or completely idiotic. College roommates have a knack for making you feel supported in life, no matter how great or horrible yours may be at the moment.

Thanks for motivating me to buckle down and go to the library with you, or encouraging me to go out that time I probably shouldn’t have, or encouraging me to eat that ice cream when I thought I shouldn’t. You guys are the definition of work hard, play hard—a balance that I wouldn’t have in my life without you. Thanks for teaching me how to live a little, while still reaching for the stars.

Thank you for making sure I’m always safe and taking care of me. This one’s kind of a given in the “girl code,” but nevertheless important. If your roommates are anything like mine, you share your locations with each other at all times and check up on each other… like, all the time. I honestly think we get separation anxiety from being apart for too long.

Thank you for cheering me up whenever I’m having a bad day or life is rough... even the littlest gestures add up. From that time you guys surprised me with flowers after a shitty breakup, to doing impromptu wine and movie nights, I couldn’t be more grateful to live with such caring people.

Thank you for sharing all my triumphs and failures with me. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls to navigate these years with. When something good happens to one of us, everyone shares in celebrating. Likewise, when something doesn’t go well, we’re there for each other through thick and thin. You girls are my rock.

Above all, thank you for making Madison home. If it wasn’t for you, my college experience wouldn’t be what it is. I wouldn’t be as driven as I am without you in my life or have nearly as much fun as we do together. Even though we still have some semesters left, I’ll never be ready for the day that we have to say goodbye.

Until then, let’s make the best out of this time we have left. Here’s to an incredible journey together and to the memories we have yet to make!

Love always,

Your roommate