This is my first year being able to live in an apartment and go to school. Last year I was in a dorm where I still felt like I hadn't completely grown up or been out on my own yet. Moving into my apartment just a little over a month ago was scary, exciting, and bittersweet. I knew I would be saying goodbye to my home, my pets, my immaturity, and saying hello to new responsibilities, a job, and a whole new way of life. I remember laying in the bed the night before I moved in feeling butterflies from nerves and from anticipation. I remember thinking about how my roommates and I would get along, how it would be to have my own room in my own place, how fun it would be to finally get to explore a new town with my car, and where I would end up working at. Thankfully, my transition into a world with much more responsibilities came easy because I would be moving in with such a kind, hilarious, and awesome person. Here is my open thank-you letter to you, after our first month of being roommates!

Thank you for answering all the questions you can about living off-campus and working a job while going to school. These two things excited me, but also kept me up at night with worry. I got into the swing of things very quickly, and I also had your advice and positive attitude in my first few weeks in my new life. (The image below was me before moving in, by the way)

Thank you for being someone I can talk to. This is something everyone needs someone for. We can talk about anything from school to deep philosophical topics, to how much we love dogs, and we always seem to end up laughing about something in the end, feeling much better.

Thank you for ordering cookies with me when things get rough. For us, working the same job, we understand how stressful a night of work is, we get the hardships of class and studying, and we both have an extensive lack of sleep. Thank you for understanding my love of junk food and thank you for ordering cookies with me after midnight while we watch Lord of the Rings.

Thank you for being one of my new friends. Before moving in, I didn't know how much you love naps (just like me) or that you too would be up for ordering more cookies than we can eat in one setting late at night. Over the summer I felt lonely, being away from my friends I made freshman year, and I was scared that I would continue to be lonely throughout the year. Thankfully, that isn't true. I now have someone to go get coffee with on Saturday mornings, someone to binge-watch t.v. shows with, someone to vent to, and someone to eat an unhealthy amount of cookies with.

Thank you for being an amazing roommate and friend. I am excited for the rest of the year!

(Me and you during exam week)