The end of the semester is upon us, and in a way, I really couldn’t be happier. I love the way the city of College Station slows down to a halt in the summer. I love that it actually starts to feel like the small-town Texas that it is. I love lazy summer nights and friends that aren’t living lives dictated by their organizations. It’s my favorite time in College Station, and I’m lucky enough to get to keep these girls around all summer (which was really the best surprise this semester- I was so concerned about being lonely!), so this really isn’t so much a “good-bye house” kind of post as it is a little tribute to the love this house has shared this past year. I found this little “tribute” I wrote back in February but never posted, and I felt like now was a more appropriate time than ever.
P.S. I’m resisting all urge to blog about engagements, weddings, etc. until further notice. Once an official date has been nailed down and plans are more in order, I will certainly keep you all updated.
And now, without further ado…
It’s 10pm on a Tuesday night. The Dexter house is in normal fashion- everyone’s in place as they should be, and you can almost taste the sweet happiness present in this little college-girls home. Haylee has just walked in with Allison- they just got back from a Chick-fil-a/Dairy Queen/Hastings run; this is Haylee’s definition of pre-partying her birthday. Allie has the fresh scent of coffee house on her- she’s been socializing, as usual, and is now in her pj’s about to start studying. Shayla isn’t home- the night is still so young! And me, well, I’m in my pajamas getting ready for bed, taking one last glance through the February edition of Brides, daydreaming about the Burns-Finch wedding that I’ll get the blessing of being a part of this summer. Thinking about the blessings of this blissful stint of my life I’ve spent in College Station, Texas, I can’t help but share with you the lives of my soul sisters that share a small four-bedroom home with me. Would you like to meet them?
Haylee Pearson
Senior Communication Major
From Houston, Texas
Standing barely over five feet tall, Haylee is my most miniature roommate. Everything about her is full of personality. She can be a bundle of energy one moment, and then find contentment in staying stationary on a couch in pajamas for a movie marathon the next. I love that I can count on her for anything- she’s the kind of friend that will come pick you up from school because it’s raining outside, or if you just need a shoulder to cry on and a confidant to rely on, she’s there to affirm and uplift you. During some of my more difficult times, Haylee didn’t let my needs go unnoticed. Whether it was a trip to DQ for a blizzard or a sweet note of encouragement left on my pillow, Haylee defined true friendship. And this was when I had known her only a few short months! It’s been easy to be friends with Haylee because we fit, we get each other, and she’s a true woman of God. Never did I think that my “potluck” roommate would quickly become one of my best friends.
Allison Johnston
Junior International Studies Major
From Plano, Texas
Allison just got back from a five month trip to Chile. She left a “gringo” and came back a fluent Spanish-speaking diva. While I know Chile misses her (and she probably misses it a little herself), I am selfishly so happy she’s returned as her infectious laughter once again fills our humble abode. Allison has her head on straight. Very conscientious and full of discernment, she is wise beyond her years. She keeps me grounded- her room has, at times, served as therapy to us all. She’s unintentionally hilarious, yet deliberate in her love for others and genuine joy in Christ. She’s incredibly gifted in her ability to learn and comprehend, as strange as that might sound, but she is destined for greatness because of her diligent effort. She wants to serve her country in some political realm, and my respect and admiration for her grows everyday as I somehow love her more.
Shayla Duke
Junior Psychology Major
From Corpus Christi, Texas
My other munchkin roommate, Shayla, is every bit her own woman. Far from Haylee’s wild and crazy spirit, Shayla stands more on the melancholy side, cracking us up with her dry wit and bantering sarcasm. She loves all things girly- Gossip Girl, Twilight, People magazine, bright colors, and squirrels. By far the quirkiest person I’ve known, her love affair with receipts, olive juice, sleep, and all things vampires keeps us guessing- and curious. But we wouldn’t trade her presence in the house for anything. Shayla has a genuine love for people, and she makes sacrifices for them. She’s easy to talk to and live with, and while she’s never short on entertainment factor, she’s also incredibly sweet-spirited and has infinite grace for everyone. She doesn’t take life too seriously, and she always puts herself second to the needs of her loved ones. She is loyalty defined.
Allie Branch
Freshman G-Stud
From Grapevine, Texas
Well, Allie is obviously my sister, but she is so much more than that. She’s my best friend, confidant, and partner in crime. She’s everything you would hope a little sister to be. She keeps me laughing, humble, and always on my toes. Allie loves people more than she loves herself. She is so dedicated to friends, almost to a fault, but I see the servant heart of our Savior shine right through her in the way she loves on and ministers to anyone and everyone. She’s incredibly hard not to like or get along with- I’ve never seen a freshman fit in so well in such a short time, especially at this large university. While I know she had some qualms about joining our house, I can’t imagine it without her, and I know the roomies would say the same thing. She is by far the least high-strung of the group, so she keeps us all at ease and having fun when we really need it most.
