Fresh Faces
It all starts with cardboard boxes, a couple granola bars, and awkward goodbyes.
I don’t remember being particularly nervous about college. It was never this dreadful- oh crap!- experience I didn’t feel prepared for. Honestly, less than a month in the first semester, I’ve noticed elongated smiles, deeper laughs, and intensified chaco tan lines. This isn’t a “feel-good” blog about my feelings and struggles I’ve had for the last weeks. And unfortunately, this isn’t about my most embarrassing moments thus far, either. Instead, I want to highlight new personalities I have been exposed to. I want to introduce you to the NeverNormal (one word) people who make up my days. More specifically- freshman, who like me, have a naive excitement walking to their classes every OTHER day (love that) dreaming about their futures and still getting used to the concept: we’re learning our careers.
She’s a laugh. Particularly, the kind that makes you feel less crazy for loving life as much as you do. We punch heavy black bags together, and then eat weird granola bars that are outrageously expensive. But “it’s worth it because it doesn’t have any of this ____ “ (insert unpronounceable ingredients that I didn’t even know existed, and between me the rest of the world, I don’t mind eating). She can fix a toilet, but not a TV. She is the best nutritionist, but she’s the worst monopoly partner. Her roommate was her dad, too. She has a faith that is infectious. She loves like she wants to be loved (even when she wasn’t always loved). Her car is a reflection of her fun: clean. Her favorites smell of candy and sweet potatoes. Her hair is blue at one time, but her eyes are blue all the time. She’s the grandpa. I love that we knew each other before, but here at this time in our lives, we get to experience each other. She’s a light.
He tucked me in. He face just looks kind. In a battle or fight between sarcasm and him, sarcasm would win. He is political. Maybe I don’t really know if what he is saying is correct, but he could fool me. He is the soup kitchen. He feeds everybody. He is open. He is a listener. He is encouraging and fatherly. He is a hopeless romantic and a dedicated boyfriend. He shares his subs with the world, but not his beef jerky. He has different voices with different emotions. He is intentional with everything he does- including getting to know you. He has way too much pop tarts. And his ramen is good. Really good. “No, I really don’t mind. Chloe, seriously, that’s what friends are for”. He is the shadow behind me as I longboard home at two am just to make sure I made it safely. He is my caffeine partner. He is a giver. He’s a heart.
He was a stranger who asked me to Walmart. I was the stranger that got in his car. He made me laugh. Laugh hard. Painful laughs. He talks during movies. He can sing well. He makes fun of everything, including himself. He loves the Lord. He looks like a pothead. He is the joke that was taken too far. We like to contemplate together. He is an awful artist- when his eyes are closed. He won’t step on the cracks. He is relatable and understanding. He hears you when you talk. He is a math genius. He is mediocre at Scattergories. He just wins it. He let me take him hiking. His love for his family is beautiful and admirable. He showed me my first tarantula. He talks a lot- a lot. You just have to listen. “Yeah, sometimes I try to do impressive things”. He likes Arrested Development and sushi. He sees the stars like I do. He is a smirk. He is thoughtful. He smells of maple and has a soft blue blanket. He’s my ice-cream buddy. He’s a best friend.
She sat next to me in government. She welcomed me with a few laughs at my pathetic jokes- attempts to lighten the depressing ora. She has Pocahontas hair. She texts me more than once in a row. I reply with seven. She understands it. Her notes look like pieces of art. She swings in hammocks with me. She is observant. She wears cool like it’s t-shirt. She is the girl that you want to be friends with. She can capture a duck in one swift movement. She stares Awkward in the face, and Awkward backs down (most of the time). She takes chances if you invite her. She feels like your best friend in hours. “It smells like french fries”. She is the coffee break in your day. You don’t have to talk when you’re with her, but you want to hear what she has to say. She is gentle. Her words are kind and up-lifting. She's the confidence hidden. She is honest. She is eager to grow. Being with her motivates you to grow, too. She is my nature accomplice. She is the best bird napper in the area. She is the smart that looks effortless. She’s a sister.
He’s the unity. He invites and meets everybody. He loves people and people love him. He graces everyone with his smile and open arms. He is pure talent. He has the perfect beard. He participates in pillow fights. He shares his green tea. He likes documentaries and good music. He shares my excitement. His story is unique. “Isn’t that freaking beautiful?”. His dog is named after chocolate, and that makes me happy. He compliments regularly. He is genuine. He is a goofball. He shares my indecisiveness. He unites. He likes to snuggle. He loves spinach. He sees beauty in everyone. He looks older but acts like a kid. We feed off each other’s energy. He is real. He is passion. He appreciates the little things. He spoils me with his friendship. He loves company. He is pro at hosting. He’s a welcome.
These are my friends. As I sit on my balcony and look down, I see so many new faces, and each face has a story. This handful of characters happen to enroll at the same university as me. Either known before, friends of friends, or complete strangers, this group of ordinary, rather extraordinary, people have have blessed me with- simply- themselves. There will be new faces and stories I will be privileged to experience, and I’m excited for when that will happen. I want to encourage you to go and evaluate the people in your lives. What makes them special in your eyes?
