I agreed to write this column easily, feeling like it was a rite of passage as a graduating NBN elder. When I sat down to write it, however, I was quickly lost. Do I impart sage wisdom? Reflect on four years of Northwestern and three-and-a-half of NBN? Should I make it funny? (I probably couldn’t do that even if I tried.) Maybe I should address the Elephant In The Room. But it honestly feels too early to even try to make sense of the last 15 months, so I’ll save my musings on the pandemic for my memoirs. I think I’ll just write about my friends.

When I first arrived on Northwestern’s campus, in fall 2017, I was able to make friends right away. My PA group was close (we’re even planning a reunion), and I clicked with my roommate and other people on my floor. I was never someone who had a lot of friends in high school, but at Northwestern I fit right in. Maybe it’s because I’m just that awesome, or maybe it’s because, as arbitrary and dumb as elite college admissions are, the Northwestern admissions office got this one right.

I didn’t stay close with all the friends I’ve made over the years, but the ones that stuck around are the greatest gifts that Northwestern has ever given me. I’ve always been independent and ambitious, and my close friends understand and support me in that. My roommates have seen me at my absolute worst and are still friends with me, which is nothing short of miraculous. I once cried over whether or not the water has to be hot when you wash the dishes. They push me to be a better person, to lighten up, to stay up late, and most importantly, to always laugh.

When I dreamed of Northwestern, I dreamed about the academic opportunities, the extracurriculars and the football games. And I have learned so much and excelled academically (I even made it to most home football games #gocats). But the people who I’ve learned the most from are my friends. Though our time together is ending (which I am in denial about), I am forever grateful for their friendship.

If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take our relationships for granted. So my advice is to spend time with your friends. Be intentional and cultivate those relationships. Blow off homework to watch a movie with friends once in a while. It will be worth it.

This post is sponsored by:

  • Apartment 2S
  • The Smoky Mountains
  • The Bachelor franchise
  • McGee’s Tavern and Grille
  • Friday Night Lights, Cheer, and Texas sports
  • The Party City in Niles
  • Wood ticks from Wisconsin
  • A sewing machine
  • Waffles
  • 10Q Chicken