With the first year of college over, I have a lot to reflect on. It feels like I've been in college forever, yet the year has gone by so quickly. A large part of my college experience was shaped by my roommates.
All four of us are very different people with very different interests and mindsets. We all brought something different to the table, and it created this beautiful blend that none of us will find anywhere else. Each of them has impacted me in a different way and I will forever be thankful for it.
So here's to the artsy one, whose hard work and dedication are inspirational. Sure, we've joked about her being holed up in the studio, but the art she creates is so different and so beautiful (go follow @crea.san on Instagram to marvel at her skill). A lot of people in college do the bare minimum to get a decent grade, but she went above and beyond everyone's expectations. All of her pieces had a story behind it.
Not only is she an amazing artist but she understood me in ways that no one else in college really did. As a fellow introvert, she could relate to my struggles of making conversation with people she didn't quite know yet and I could tell her about all the dumb things I did and thought without feeling judged at all. I can't even describe how much I needed that sometimes and how much it helped.
Then, of course, the dancer. We didn't click right away, and I didn't know how I felt about her initially. But she's so goofy and confident, she could win anyone over. We didn't really have many heart-to-hearts until the last week of school but there was a mutual understanding between us.
Surprisingly, we share a lot of similar interests, one of them being dance. She puts so much time and energy into practices and competitions, and it is admirable. There were times she would come back when everyone else was sleeping and she would still have school work to finish. It paid off though because she is an incredible dancer. The fact that she is going to be the captain next year should say it all. So thank you for reminding me to be passionate about things I care about and to put in my everything into it.
Last but definitely not least, the Mandir one. I already knew her from the Hindu Temple (Mandir) but only saw her once a week and in a particular setting. I wasn't sure what to expect outside of that setting. It was like getting to know her all over again, and it was important for us to get along because we were living in the same room together and if we didn't it would have affected our relationship at Mandir.
I quickly realized that we would be fine, but I underestimated how big of a role she would actually play. I could go back to the dorm at the end of the day and tell her anything and everything that happened that day. The fact that we went to the same Mandir turned out to be a good thing because she understood everything I was saying without me having to explain it. With every inside joke and dumb story, we got closer.
Then came the 36 questions. To deepen our friendship, we asked each other 36 questions that, according to psychology today, bring you close to someone. That was the first time we were emotionally vulnerable in front of each other and our complete honest thoughts came out. It was extremely enlightening and we really got to know each other that day.
She was always there for me; listened to every stupid epiphany, plan, story, and rant. She helped me after every questionable decision. I love her to death and I'm not exaggerating when I say she's like a sister.
These three amazing girls have forever changed my life. We may not all be living together next year, but I will always have a place in my heart for them. All of us will go on our own, separate, unique paths, and I'm going to be right there cheering them on.
So thank you Sana, Maya, and Charmi for every time we went out, every game we played, every deep conversation we had, show we watched, and the wonderful experience we had. I love you guys.