My mom has always told me that I’d find my forever friends in college, and that might be the truest thing she’s ever said.
I didn’t really have a conventional high school experience. I went to a small Catholic school until eighth grade and then transferred to a public high school, where I knew a total of three people. High school me was not the outgoing, friendly type. In fact, talking to new people was probably my biggest fear, so as you could imagine, I was not exactly a people person.
When COVID shut the entire world down towards the end of my first year of high school, I really put the distance in “social distancing,” so new friends weren’t exactly on the horizon.
The summer before coming to Quinnipiac, I was terrified of having to constantly meet and talk to new people. My worst nightmare, truly. But I had my mom’s words in the back of my head, and that gave me the strength to take the leap and put myself out there.
God must have been on my side because I didn’t have to do much leaping. Thank you, Quinnipiac ResLife, for making the 3+1 Comms LLC in Mountainview. Out of the seven girls I was placed with in my freshman year dorm room, four of those girls were the forever friends my mom had promised were waiting for me.
These girls, without a doubt, have shaped me into the person I am today, and I could not be more thankful for them.
Emily M., thank you for always encouraging me to speak my mind and to never be scared to be the loudest in the room. Before meeting you, I rarely spoke up and was scared to talk to new people, but you’ve never failed to make me feel seen, heard, and supported. You’ve helped me realize that my voice matters, and that I don’t need to shrink myself to fit in. Because of you, I’ve become a more confident, unapologetic version of myself, and for that, I am beyond grateful.
Jules, I have never laughed more than I have with you. Thank you for introducing me to “Vanderpump Rules” and “Summer House,” because yes, watching people fight on reality TV does make me feel better about myself. You’ve taught me that not everything in life needs to be taken so seriously, and to remember to take care of myself when I’ve had a stressful day. Sometimes, all I need to make my day better is you by my side and three episodes of “Summer House” queued on the TV.
Emily A., you radiate sunshine. You have taught me that even when life isn’t on your side, there’s always something positive to focus on and that embracing that positivity can change your life. You were there for me during all the rougher parts of college, offering a shoulder to cry on, reminding me that brighter days were ahead. And when those brighter days finally showed up, you were in my corner, cheering the loudest.
Last but certainly not least, Amanda. My Quinnipiac day one. You entered my life right when I needed it the most. You’ve taught me that I can do hard things. Your strength and perseverance through all the highs and lows remind me that no matter what comes my way, I am capable of getting through it. I know life hasn’t always been easy, but you’ve pushed past every challenge with resilience and determination that is truly inspiring. And because of that, you will always be someone I look up to.
When I look back on my three years at Quinnipiac, the first thing that comes to mind is my friends. I think about the Sundays where we spent the entire day on the couch watching the worst reality dating show we could find, the Spring days outside when the weather finally broke and the mornings rehashing our nights out.
To my girls: we’ve laughed (a lot), cried (even more), and screamed (sometimes at each other), but every minute of our friendship has been laced with happiness. I love you guys from the bottom of my heart.
Someone play “Ribs” by Lorde.
