Because I Knew You, I Have Been Changed For Good

"I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are lead to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return. Well I don't know if I believe that's true, but I know I'm who I am today because I knew you...

Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But, because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

-"For Good" from the musical, Wicked

Our first picture as roommates, way back in August.

As I sit at home and reflect on my year at Drake University, I can attribute a lot of my happiness to my very first college roommate, Claire Van Treeck. Although we knew each other when we moved in, we didn't really know each other. Not like we do now. We were both young, nervous, and confused freshmen trying to figure out what we wanted to do with our lives. Now I guess we are just young, confused, and slightly nervous SOPHOMORES!

I read a quote somewhere during my first semester at Drake about college roommates. "You don't have to be best friends" it said. But, although I wasn't looking for it, that's what she became, especially during the second semester.

It turns out that both of us had a lot of growing to do. But everything that happened throughout this year was for a reason. Although we won't be living in the same room next year, or even be on the same campus, I know that she's going to be just a few miles away, and will probably be the only one to understand my weird habits. I'll miss our walks around campus while other people go out, but that just makes me look forward to the times I'll get to be a visitor on my "old" campus.

Looking back, I'd say it's been a great year. I am thankful for the way that God provided a roommate for me that could encourage me to do the things I love, while also helping to sculpt and shape the qualities that needed a bit of fine tuning.

Through living with Claire, I learned to become a better listener, and to think before I spoke. I learned that my words can be destructive as well as encouraging, and that I truly wanted to build her up with each word that I said. I learned to show love with the little things that I did for her, and that sometimes all people need is someone to take the time to understand where another person is coming from.

Together we learned that sometimes all you need is a bit of greasy Quad food and a pint of Oreo ice cream. And don't get us started on Gossip Girl, or how cute Chuck Bass is. It's also safe to say that Claire would probably sleep through a robbery, or get kidnapped in her sleep, because he is a sound sleeper. I suppose it was a good thing that I double and triple check to make sure the door is locked at night.

And let's talk about how forgetful we both can be. There were times where I had to leave the door unlocked, or I would sit outside the room for awhile until she could come back. But, we made it through the year without having to pay the lock out fee.

I'm so happy that I could spend the last few weeks connecting and truly getting to know my beautify roommate. She is spunky, crazy, smart, silly, and has a smile that is contagious. I'm grateful to have her in my life.

I'll miss you dearly, Claire, but I know that this is definitely not goodbye. It's just "see you later." I can't wait to come visit you and have more adventures throughout the next couple of years! 

                                            Striding for him,

                                                   Melanie