I might not even remember myself. It has been a while since I've been 'round these parts. Long enough to have completed my 6th semester of college and well into my 7th. Long enough to experience stress, excitement, strength, weakness, courage, failure, and faith for what seems to destined as an eternal round. Called life.
I could go into lots of detail about each of those stages of development, but it sufficeth me to say only this: life is good to me, and I still have THE BEST ROOMMATES EVER. Let's talk about them for a second.
They're all beautiful. Every single one of them! I've never met such an array of feminine beauty and grace, of all different sorts. They're like a well-stocked jewelry box... pearls, diamonds, knotted twine and wooden beads, simple silver, and that random broach you found on the ground but love to death. I haven't found a jewelry box I like better.
They're all so willing to serve. I can't tell you how many times a pair has gotten into a tussle about letting them serve the other. I can ALWAYS count on my roommates, for anything. Literally.
They're all so stinking funny. Staying in with the roomies on a Saturday night, piled into someone's bedroom just giggling our faces off is usually the most satisfactory moment of the week. But they also know how to be sincere and genuine. Deep discussions on life, love, loss, take place anytime of the day or night. We all learn and grow from each other.
But here are some things that I love about them individually.
First up: Emmanuelle Reay.
Emmanuelle, Mani, Man-you-el (my favorite version). spunky, sweet, this girl is a package of pink pixie stix. When she hits a certain time of night with a certain level of exhaustion, you never know what is going to come out of her brain. Emmanuelle loves pink and sparkles, so shopping for her is a breeze. But what I love most is her courage. I have seen her grow in so many different ways, but I am sometimes astonished at her courage. She is not afraid to do hard things, and she is not afraid to handle hard things. And even when she is afraid, which happens to everyone, she is still willing to approach. She steps up to the plate and takes what's pitched. Courage to do what is right, courage to stand up to what is not, and courage in herself to follow through with what she wants. Cowardly Lion she is not. And she's just so dang sweet.
Hail in: Hayley Heath.
Hayley, Hay, Hayberries, Haybee ... the list goes on. Here is a girl that knows how to be a very good friend. Always a listening hear and level-headed, time and time again I've been surprised with the gems of wisdom she tosses me. And then she just keeps walking like it was no big deal. What I love about Hayley is her selflessness. I don't know how often she thinks about herself more than helping others, whether she knows them or not. She could be hurting inside about something serious and will help the next person get over their minute disappointment. She's the epitome of selfless service. Hayley Heath is out to save the world, mark my words. (And I was her roommate once, don't forget it. :)
Enter: Sarah Juchau.
I am NEVER going to forget the first time I met Sarah Juchau. I was a busy RA sitting at the check-in desk, and I asked this girl for her name. I recognized it (because like everyone else, I'd been stalking my new roommates) and pleasantly told her "I'm your roommate." Next thing I knew, she was grabbing my hand, leaping for joy, testifying to the whole world that she'd "been waiting my WHOLE LIFE to meet you!" But in reality, I've been waiting MY whole life to meet Sarah Juchau.
Always trying to become better, Sarah is an inspiration. She sticks to her standards at all costs, no matter how "silly" outsiders or misunderstanders want make her feel. What I love most is her emotional sensitivity; truly, she mourns with those that mourn, and comforts those that stand in need of comfort. She is honest in her emotions, which is not true enough of the world. It is a beautiful, delicate attribute.
Welcome the lovely Miss Rachel Bagley:
RACHEL KNOWS BEST. She's like the mom. Wisdom and discipline beyond her years, cooks like a queen, and loves to love, Rachel really understands the role of a matriarch, far better than I ever have. Her gentle disposition reels in trust from everyone age 5 to 95. Really. Everyone loves her.
But what I love about her most is her passion. She is an elementary education major, and I am SO GLAD because the public education system has a positive future! She is so dedicated to becoming the best that she can in order to make a difference. Rachel is made from dedication. To her studies, to her family, and to the gospel. Rachel is probably the most dependable, hardworking person I have ever met. Coupled with the sweetest personality, and you've got one irresistible gal.
Last, but certainly not least... Megan Hatch.
THE Megan Hatch. That's the only way to introduce her. Megan is so many wonderful things I couldn't possibly pick one to describe to you. Confident, brilliant, beautiful, and the list goes on. But what impresses me most is how she treats everyone like her friend, and really never speaks ill about anyone. Time after time I have seen her engage the lonely in the shadows, laugh with the solitary, and value the undervalued. Megan Hatch sees the worth in other people better than anyone I know, and treats them equal to that worth. I want to be more like Megan.
Sure, that was fairly long and took a chunk of your time. And it wasn't even about you, you say. But read in between the lines. It was all about me. These five girls have been an intricate and invaluable part of my life for the last year and a half. Every day, I become better because I have the examples of these five lovely girls to follow, watch, and learn. Once, I was their RA. That might have lasted about a day. These girls have been my leaders, and hopefully by the end of it, I'll have a part of each of them in me. There's a line where friendship ends and sisterhood begins, and I'm pleased to say we crossed that line a long time ago.
So, do you remember me? I don't. Or I choose not to remember who I was. Not that I was a bad person. But refinement is in order to better the future, not compare to the past. And how grateful I am for that.
Word of the day: tutelage: noun, \TOO-tuh-lij\ : instruction especially of an individual, a guiding influence.
1 comment:
I sure love you Carrie
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