Nothing quite prepares you for what being a senior in college feels like. The emotions of
leaving behind your college town and friends, mixed with the stress of making decisions about
the future, and the excitement of starting a new chapter in your life. I remember feeling all of
those things, but as a sentimental gal, the emotions were what got the best of me most of the
time.
Every moment of my ZTA experience as a collegiate woman was amazing, made even
better by the best friends I had formed along the way. I met one of my best friends, Natalie, my
sophomore year during recruitment in what I can only assume was fate, as we were paired
together randomly in our recruitment bump group. We bonded during practice conversations
and got to know each other really well. I met another best friend, Maddie, through the
friendship I had made with Natalie. Natalie is that ultimate hype-girl bestie that keeps me
believing in myself, and Maddie is the sunshine on a rainy-day friend that never fails to make
me smile.
Throughout that last year of college, the three of us studied for classes (we were all pre-
healthcare tracks, and even all ended up in the same class one semester), did Dance Marathon,
and cried through all of our senior rituals. Some of my favorite memories with them include
Maddie and Natalie piling on my twin bed in the zouse for 5-minute power naps between
rounds, grabbing McDonald’s milkshakes at midnight, and rolling through for a quick McDouble
before a sisterhood. Our entire friend group stayed close after graduation, and since we were in
separate places, Facetime dates were a MUST. I lived hours away, and yet it never felt like I was
far from home.
In spring of 2020, Natalie got engaged and asked us to be bridesmaids.
I remember being so excited, and thinking that this was one of those moments you dream about when you join a sorority—meeting your tribe and living life together. Maddie and I couldn’t wait to share
Natalie’s big day with her.
Needless to say, she looked absolutely stunning, and we all cried as she walked down the aisle. I’m forever thankful for being in that bump group back in 2016, because it brought me some of my happiest memories, and some of my best friends.
And Mads and Nat, if you’re reading this right now, I love you guys :)
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