Winer break with my roommate :)

1/8 semesters done with college. Wow, reflecting back on just this one semester, I didn’t realize how fast it flew by until now. TCU really cares about not only the academics, but the college experience. When I think back on the memories and lessons I have learned, I don’t just think about the hardcore stress studying and work loads, but I think about the TCU Christmas Tree Lighting, College Game-day where TCU ordered an insane number of pizza pies to keep students thriving, and even the welcome assembly where the Chancellor spoke to us and then walked off the stage so that our grand beginning would be welcomed with fireworks! Disney? Close!
​

This Christmas, I decided to spend it with my awesome roommate, Sarah Darley. This girl is one of the most proactive, smart, and resourceful people I know. She has an insane sense of direction (which is awesome, especially when I drive 75 miles in the wrong direction while driving from Texas to Colorado with her for break) and is always looking for ways to do things faster, better, and more efficiently. Even though she may not wake up till 4 pm (jk haha, 11 am is much more realistic), when she does eventually wake up, she is on a role. I hear stories about how roommates don’t get along and how people just don’t respect each other’s space, sleep, or hobbies, but Sarah and I got pretty lucky. Don’t get me wrong, we are very different people, but I think that is the super cool part: we get to expand our horizons and learn about each other more, try new things, and encourage each other. In all honesty, it would be pretty boring to have someone just like me. In fact, I feel like I would get very competitive and try to be a better version of me if I had a roommate who was identical to me.
Anyways-learning lesson or pro-tip when finding a roommate would be: Be open. And be kind. You never know what you might learn from him/her. Transitioning from living with your family for 17 years of your life to a dorm that houses over 300 people can be overwhelming. People are raised differently and it may not please you. But be open and be kind, because when you are, your roommate’s family might open up their house to you for Christmas. You may be able to experience a gorgeous state you’ve never been to before and realize altitude makes a difference, but that it is so worth it once you look at the breathtaking countryside. You may learn that you aren’t as cool as you thought you were when you watch your pro skier/roommate shred down the Coloradan mountains or when she gets on her horse and rides him with such grace, poise, and love; in other words, you may be humbled by how people pursue their passions, and in turn, encouraged to do the same. You may be welcomed right into the family dinner conversations, Christmas Cousin Gift Exchanges, and family ski trips. You may even realize that life is too short to stay in your comfort zone and that it is so insightful and enlightening to travel and expand your horizons to new places, new people, and new experiences.
​
Thank you Darley family for welcoming me as a second daughter with open arms and being another valuable memory in my heart.