BY LAUREN MORAN
April. The month of the beginning of all the endings for seniors. As a graduating senior myself, which I cannot fathom because I still feel as if I am a 12-year-old trapped in a 21-year-old's body, I am beginning to reflect on my time here at Stonehill. Coming into school freshman year all I hoped for and expected was to eventually gain a couple of friends and maybe get along with my roommate. The latter was a big worry of mine as an only child. However, what I didn't expect was finding a forever sister in my roommate and 8 others who have become my chosen family. Along the way each of these girls has taught me countless life lessons, supported me every day, and eventually shaped me into the person and friend I am today. Through this, I just want to thank these girls for giving me the best four years one could ask for and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us.
To Meg, one of my very first friends at school, thank you for being a light in my life. You have taught me to find joy in the little things. I am forever grateful for our talks and hugs no matter when. You will forever be the person I send a country song to and or a song that gets the crowd going.
To Kara, you have truly become a sister to me to the point where my family wishes you were a biological child of their own. You have taught me how to let go and live a more carefree life. Thank you for giving me endless love and support no matter what day or time and I hope one day to return the favor of how much you have supported me.
To Maddie, the girl who was first just my teammate and now a lifelong friend. Thank you for teaching me to be unauthentically myself and instilling unwavering confidence in me all these years. I couldn’t have gotten through being an athlete let alone a student here at Stonehill and for that, I am eternally grateful.
To Emily, what a blessing it was to meet you in French on Zoom. From that point on I have retained no French but learned your own vocabulary making you one of the funniest people I have come across. From betwixt to slapchat, there is no one like you and I am so glad that our virtual paths crossed freshman year.
To Yara, the most positive and loving person I have ever met. You never cease to brighten up my day and make every person in your life feel so loved. Thanks to you and your infectious energy I now start my day listening to EDM and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
To Ney Ney, although I met you later on at Stonehill, that has never hindered how special of a friend you are to me. You are an incredible friend who has taught me the value of life and how precious it really is. Without you, I wouldn’t be half as grounded, and one day I hope to live life to the extent that you do.
To Emmy, at times I have told you I didn’t truly start living life until I met you. You are a blessing in my life and I am so thankful for you every day. You make me laugh harder than I could ever think, you support me through whatever, and you have most importantly taught me to not take life so seriously. Thank you for being you and for being my family.
To Mae Mae, the word friend doesn’t even scratch the surface of how special our friendship is to me. You have become a sister to me, one who pushes and inspires me beyond belief. You have taught me the power of hard work, passion, and love which I will carry with me forever. Thank you for the endless laughter and love these past years and I can’t wait to laugh more with you.
Cam, simply put, thank you. The minute I met you in person on move-in day and people were asking if we were friends from home (we weren’t as we literally met that morning) I knew you weren’t just going to be my roommate. You have been my rock, biggest cheerleader (and humbler), and have truly shaped me into the person I am today. You taught me to forge my path. Thank you for being my foundation so I could grow here at school. Without you, I wouldn’t have gone to New York, stuck through the demands of being a student-athlete, and or navigated Stonehill the way I did with you. You didn’t just make Stonehill feel like a home away from home, you made it feel as if it was my home. I can’t wait to continue to laugh so hard that we pee our pants and maybe (hopefully) see Morgan Wallen in the future. But for now, thank you for being my person here at Stonehill and I am incredibly proud to be your roommate.
These girls have enriched my life in more ways than nine life lessons. I do not know what I deserved to have such special people in my life and I am eternally grateful for Stonehill College giving me my chosen family.
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