College is...

...lying on a field as the sun sets amongst your new family, half-eaten chip bags and other various snacks thrown about. A speaker provides the background music with Tal or Mia as DJ. So probably chill and vibe-y. Laptops and backpacks near their rightful owners remind us that work needs to be done. But the sky disagrees. So we watch it catch on fire instead.

...moving into a blank room with a stranger who becomes a sister. And together, that room will become a home. It'll catch you off guard when you first say those words: "Let's go home." Perhaps you'll be out at party (like I was), tired and delirious. You will look up to her (or him) and say the words. There will be a moment when you realize what you just said. Home. Dorm room. They become one and the same (eventually). Maybe you'll get lucky, and your roommate will bring plants. It definitely speeds up the process.

...only sitting down during halftime. Because the rest of the time will be spent on your feet standing on top of the bleachers, straining to see what the heck everyone is yelling about. There will be loud cheers and sing-screaming songs. The school colors are critical. True fans will stay until the fourth quarter (Emma knows). Certain traditions like "Shout!" are too fun to miss, anyway.

...getting Saturday brunch. After a long Friday night, Carson waffles might be the best tasting food on the planet. However, I've learned it matters more who sits around the table than what is being served, even if it is all you can eat. Very thankful for the "Carson at 10?" morning texts. We may get there at 10:30 sometimes, but there is always a group that rallies for food.

...picnicking with the girlies when it's sunny. Listening to Lorde while mixing different crackers with various cheeses and spreads is very main-character. Definitely recommend. Also carrots and hummus. Yum.

...baking a cake in the community kitchen. Birthdays are very special because of the people they celebrate. Obviously the best way to celebrate: surprises. I think an hour after this picture was taken we ended up throwing a blanket over Kayla's head and walking her from one tower to another. Worth every confusing second. We proceeded to throw a dorm-room party for each friend when their day rolled around, minus the blanket over the head.

...studying. Lots and lots of studying. Friends make it better though. Crowded lounges can be quite productive, as long as ESPN isn't on too loud (*ahem* Josh and Bradley). The more people, the more likely snacks and music will be involved. It's a win-win. Unless you like the quiet. Then I would suggest some noise cancelling headphones. Or borrow Eli's.

...not studying. Sometimes the lounge has other purposes like floor cuddles during movies or playing cards or yelling over a basketball game or laughing because Danny just said something funny. Lots of space for cartwheels and practicing for talent shows that never end up happening. It's also one of the best places to generate ideas for fun things to do: multiple floor hide-and-seek? spikeball? climbing a tree?

...climbing trees. Yes, this actually occurred. Sometimes 18 year olds need to be 5 again, especially if they attend the University of Oregon where there is quite an abundance of strong-branched conifers. So from the lounge we ran to the tree where we (probably 10 of us) climbed up and up. Sometimes I still find splinters in those leggings, but it's okay. Just reminds me of our tree party.

...sporadically forming a massage train. Because who doesn't need a back massage sometimes? Most likely taken after Amu made tea for us. Tea time, always.

...hiking up a large hill with your friends. Exploring the area. Finding a place to read or write or draw. Watching as all of your friends are absorbed in what they are doing. Smiling because this is why you came here. To find people who like to do the things you like to do... And then do them. These are the days that make me feel like my genuine self, like I am where I am meant to be.

...gardening on Tuesday's. So food can be harvested for those who need it most. Getting off campus is important, especially if the place feeds both your soul and others' with its peaceful environment. There are communities, like Grassroots Garden, just waiting to be found. It only takes looking. Oh, and if you happen upon this one, the woman named Mary will make you feel right at home, hug and all.

...cutting your hair. Because change is necessary for growth, especially when that growth must occur over 2000 miles away from loved ones. Also helps with break-ups which are hard and scary. Who knew adding bangs and some curl could do wonders? I guess Cinderella's fairy godmother.

...microwaving Friendsgiving dinner. Because college kids are broke and hungry. Plus, there's lots to be thankful for: classes wrapping up, the holidays, Nadia's pose, etc. Also, kitchenware is a crucial college necessity. This was found out by those who had none and resorted to random large metal bowls to hold their Thanksgiving dinner. I guess it all works though.

...showing family your new home. Ah, it's always a fun time when the fam comes to visit. I think Mom wanted to stay at college with me, join a few frat parties and follow along in class. Dad likes to wear his Oregon pride everywhere, but it is certainly the most fun in the Autzen Stadium. Wilson came to the student section with me. Hope he didn't learn too many new cuss words (just kidding!). He did learn some cheers and chants though!

...hugging friends after a break. Even if it was just five days. It's hard going too long without seeing your people. I can't imagine what the post Winter Break hug will be like. Sleepover in Manu's room when we all get back? I call futon.

...presenting to a room of upperclassmen. Luckily, Erin and I matched on accident! Made the whole presentation seem more put together... I guess? Anyways, there will be times when a group project becomes difficult. Last minute slides, hopefully rehearsed, that all end up projected on a large screen. Carnegie Global 4 life.

...taking part in a friend group Secret Santa. After knowing these people not even three months, I was delighted by the personal gifts that truly just made sense. Whether Julia's broccoli, Mac's box of self-care goodies, or Mia's Keith Haring tote bag, they all definitely made me smile. Oh, and we topped the night off with homemade trash-can basketball. #college

...walking around campus. Yeah, there's a ton of that. I am blessed to be in a place so beautiful to look at. Catch me with one airpod in listening to either NPR's "Up First" podcast, my "Walking on Water" or "To Feel Grounded" Spotify playlists, or a Harry Potter audiobook. I'll always wave, "Hi!" Running into people is one of the best parts of the day.

College is beyond all expectation. It's the definition of work hard, play harder. It's becoming close with more people than you could ever imagine. It's living in a hotel with your best friends with no curfew. It's chaos.

But it's the absolute best.

Much love,

Chloé