It is slightly over a year that I wrote a letter to my former roommate. Of course, we are still close friends and hang out all the time (perhaps even more than when we were roommates). I did not want to go through the process of adjusting to a new person and sharing a space with them for the next nine months, but the process was surprisingly easier a second time. I couldn't help but sometimes compare to my situation last semester, but living with Wajd, brought a whole new set of experiences.

It was my first time living with an international student. I enjoyed navigating the cultural differences and translations which opened the door to stimulating conversations. I was able to see and understand from another perspective. I have always enjoyed discussions, therefore, being able to do so in the comfort of my room while watching a movie late at night, made it more spontaneous and fun.

I also had a movie buddy since Wajd and I both loved watching movies. Since Wajd is always ready to try something new, I am glad she pushed me to go to the movies at the last minute (Quite literally, as we got our seats as the last trailer ended). It was a much-needed break from being on campus. Speaking of new experiences, going to Cafe Intermezzo for the first time was all the more exciting because I got to celebrate your birthday with her. If I ever wanted to try a new restaurant or suggest going out, she would always be willing if she had the time. It had been my goal to explore more of Atlanta this year, and her willingness made that goal a reality.

Wajd showed me what generosity looks like in every part of her life. When her friend stayed in our dorm for a night, she let her sleep in her bed while she took the cot. As a TA, she bought chocolate for her section's lab final. She went above and beyond her job description by making a Quizlet for us for each week. Wajd is always ready to help and do her best.

Wajd, thank you for answering all my biology questions and checking all my figures for lab. Thank you for always asking if I need the bathroom before you take a shower. Thank you for putting up with me bringing friends over and my long phone calls. Thank you for being a wonderful roommate and I am going to miss having you as a roommate. Thank you all the times you made me laugh and most of all, thank you for agreeing to be my roommate when I asked because I didn't know who else to ask. I've learned more about myself and about you from this experience. I wish we could stay roommates, but life doesn't have that planned for us.

Now, it's time for me to learn to live with a new roommate.