Unexpected Gifts

I met Katie Robeson my first day at William and Mary (Well actually we met for the first time at a high-school Forensics competition, but I didn’t remember that–oops) and while she’ll be annoyed at me for posting this, I was convinced we wouldn’t be friends.  I was pretty sure she was just too cool for me. I mean, consider this picture of us during opening convocation–it’s clear who’s rocking the event!

I assumed that I would only be lucky enough to have Katie be one of my freshman hall-mates, but  we quickly bonded over our mutual love of television and developed our own tradition of watching Desperate Housewives together each week.

Over freshman year Katie and I became friends, but by the end of sophomore year Katie had become one of my best friends.   We lived on the same hall again that second year, and honestly we spent many a night crying or venting t0 each about who ever  had wronged us that week while watching bad TV to soothe our frustrations.

When I faced rejection, Katie picked me up, bought a pint of ice-cream, and sat with me until I was ready to move forward.  A few weekends ago she brought me flowers just to say thanks for being her friend. Life and college can be hard at times, and having someone on your team willing to be there for the struggles is invaluable.

Did not enjoy the movie, but loved the company

We’re not just friends for the hard times though. Katie and I still watch TV together, although we’ve moved from Desperate Housewives to Castle (so good!).  We’ve made dozens of cookies together.  And she may not appreciate me posting this picture, but last month we even pulled out the futon in her apartment so she, Grace (another friend I’ve known since freshman year), and I could chill out and watch Charlie St. Cloud on a lazy

Friday night.

Katie and I are also both obsessed with our CW mugs so we’ve made many treks down to the Colonial bakery to fill up on cider and hot chocolate.

Even when she spent a semester in England we Skyped all the time, and knowing that I could be friends with her across an ocean affirmed that I will be friends with Katie across the years.  William and Mary has provided me with many gifts, but the friendships I have and know I will keep are perhaps the most precious.

For freshman year bonding, senior year adventures, and all the highs and lows in between (as well as all that’s left to come), I am so grateful to William and Mary for giving me the unexpected gift of an amazing best friend.