One year ago today, I was a month into junior year. I was moved into my sorority house, excited to live with the people I have looked up to throughout my entire college experience. My room was a very small box-shaped space that was accurately named “Closet.” I was applauded for my use of the space and decorations that I covered my walls with. My dream catcher from freshman year and posters of my favorite artists. Last October, I was applying to be on the Executive Board of my sorority, where I would eventually find out I was voted in as President. I was attending recruitment events and planning my Halloween costumes. Everything seemed like it was falling into place. Yes, I was facing some struggles and not everything was perfect, but there was a sense of clarity. This time last year I was falling in love: with life, people, new experiences, all of the things! Looking back, it all seemed so simple.
Two years ago today, I was waking up extra early in the morning to start my shift at the Samuel C. Williams Library on campus. The 7:30 a.m. shift with a bunch of graduate students, most who would become some of my closest confidants. We would exchange personal stories about love, friendship, school, and culture; I loved these moments because I felt so open to sharing with them and vice versa. None of us were in the same social circles or classes, with barely any overlap culturally or geographically. In reality, we had nothing in common. This job gave me flexibility and financial benefits. But more than that, it gave me a true glimpse into peoples’ lives who I wouldn’t normally interact with. I am forever grateful for my coworkers at the library. We shared memorable moments together. We cried, we laughed, we dished drama, and we gave advice. This time last year, I was going into work exhausted and leaving a happier person.
Three years ago today, I was struggling studying for the chemistry midterm. Instead of going home for fall break, I stayed on campus as I felt the autumn air welcome itself in. I attended the midterm exam review and redid practice problems until my eyes hurt. Freshman year was full of new discoveries. I was finding my way by attending different club meetings and events, most of which I went to alone. I think this is one of the hardest things you can do, especially in college. Little did I know, I would change my major out of the SES school to find a more fulfilling one in HASS. I joined most of the clubs I went to alone freshman year and all of those special interests have been developed. I was doing laundry on the first floor of Jonas and making microwave popcorn in room 228. This time three years ago, I was younger and more naive. I didn’t know what I didn’t know.
Today I am a senior. Still trying to cram for midterm exams and projects. I am in a bigger room where I have all the same decorations. I am finishing my term as President and looking forward to our next brave sister who is going to take on this amazing responsibility. I don’t work at the library anymore, but I stay connected with my coworkers who have taught me a lot about kindness and being a good friend. This year and last, I fell in and out of love with everything; my hobbies, people, classes. Through all of that, I found friends who I know are forever. Friends who have seen me as a freshman and decided to stay friends with me. I am so eternally grateful for them. I am currently wrapping this article up in my best friend’s hometown in Connecticut where a bunch of us are spending our fall break. A nice New England getaway, full of fall foliage and coastal wineries. A perfect way to welcome autumn and celebrate friendship. I wonder where I’ll be in one year from now. Maybe I’ll write an update in The New York Times, stay tuned.
