Magnolia 214A. It has a certain ring to it… or at least, I think it does. After all, it has been my small home away from home for 10 months. It’s only 14.2 x 24.9 feet but that has been plenty for me. Recently, my friends and I have come to the realization that in a few weeks, our rooms will no longer be ours. The people will leave, and the liveliness will turn to silence. The rooms will become empty and the walls where pictures and paintings once hung will be bare. Summer campers will come and stay for a while, then August will make its grand appearance bringing new freshmen right along with it… and Magnolia 214 will belong to some other girls. Therefore, I feel like I owe you two something, seeing as how we are connected by some peculiar form of a college experience. I can no longer reside here, but just simply exist as a thought of the past. Furthermore, there are some things I would like the both of you to know and advice I would like to give.

I have thought about you two many times. I often think about the people who will live in the same space that I did as a freshman. I wonder if y'all will be scared to start college and a fresh life. I'm curious to know if you two will be new acquaintances or if you will already have years of friendship under your belt.

Your room is home for the next year, so don't be afraid to treat it like home. You will always have your home that is miles away with your loved family members and memories. However, you will more than likely start to refer to your dorm room as home at some point... and it's going to freak you out. It will be strange because you will realize that at some point, you subconsciously decided that this little room that is so far away from everything you've ever known can actually be something that brings peace and comfort.

Be friends with and respect each other as roommates. I'm not saying you have to be each other’s number one best friend, but life can be so much fun if you are friends with each other! Whether it's having someone to look out for you if you get sick or vent to about a terrible day, it's a lot easier if you two are friends. Also, just be a kind person. Respecting your roommate is a lot more convenient to do than fighting at all times. You can make your life simple this way.

The shower door is broken. I would say I'm sorry, but it was like that when I moved in. Be careful with it because if you treat it too harshly, it will more than likely break. Side note: the water pressure is a tad bit excessive and may or may not feel like all the molecules of H2O are trying to peel the first layer of your skin off. You will get used to it though and probably be thankful for its uncontrolled blast after a long day.

Your room holds some of my most precious memories. Many happy dances have taken place in this room whether it be because I discovered I aced a test I studied for intensely or I was finding out good news. Sometimes, I just felt like turning on my music and convulsing in a way that could barely pass for dancing. Your room is where I let my friends chop off most of my hair in the spring semester. (Don’t worry we put down trash bags and vacuumed afterwards. Also my hair turned out wonderful in case you’re wondering.) Your room is where many laughs and slumber parties occurred. So, enjoy this room. When you two are exiting Freshmen year, I’m sure you will look back on your time here with adoration. You only get to be a Freshman once, so make as many memories as you can and live life to the fullest.