I would have never thought that I would end up at Mercyhurst for higher education: I had bigger plans, I wanted to travel the world and go to Georgia (or anywhere out of state, really), and make a new name for myself in a place that was far, far away from Pittsburgh and when people thought of "Elma" they would think about an extroverted girl that never stayed in one place for too long.

However, that was not how life worked out for me. I ended up at Mercyhurst because my really good friend suggested I "just apply" and see what happens. Now that really good friend is my best friend and one of two of my roommates that live in a somewhat crammed, outdated, apartment on campus.

We recently have been hit with really hard times, which have not yet been resolved. The freshmen class is the biggest in Mercyhurst's history, and we are required to have four roommates in order to be guaranteed an apartment together, which we thought we had -- twice. But I won't waste my time with the details of those fun adventures. Basically we are still three roommates and will not be able to select housing with everyone else - which could ultimately get us split up, as well. So we decided that as anxious as all of us are, we could not handle being placed with three random girls that we know nothing about. Thus began the process of looking into the scary world of renting a house or an apartment off-campus so we could stay together. And what do you know, that didn't work out either.

Regardless of all the bad things that have been happening to us, you guys deserve some thanks. A lot of thanks, actually. There have been countless nights where I get extremely energetic and run around and dance to the Les Miserables soundtrack (and Cher), and you guys don't bat an eye or think I'm crazy -- you laugh with me and deal with it because you know it's just how I am. There have been nights where I get super emotional about my boyfriend, or politics and you guys sit through it, hear me out, and help calm me down. There have been nights where I'd sporadically say something like "let's get a board game," "let's play Uno," or "let's go out", and you guys would, without question, say "okay" and tag along on my weird adventures (Casey mostly does this with me since we stay up late, though. I still love you Laura). And even on the nights where I just want to chill or have to study for a test, you guys accommodate to that, too. So, thanks. I know that no matter what happens with living arrangements next year, we will find a way to stick together because we've been through (and will undoubtedly go through) worse. Although some of these things are just being respectful, we always hear "horror" stories about college roommates, and I think we should appreciate the good roommates we have, too.

So, here's to you guys. I've learned a lot about what good friendships (and living arrangements) are, how to stand up for myself and the people I care about, and I've learned that maybe the worst people and situations that come into our lives and put us through hell leave us with friends made of gold.