“Having déjà vu means you are right where you belong..”
When I accepted this job and signed my contract on March 24, 2011, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I knew that this would be a ‘different kind of job’, but that was the least of my worries. My coworkers. That’s what I feared more than anything. I expected people of all different backgrounds, none of which I would relate. I expected people who ‘had been through this before’. I expected nothing more than ‘coworkers’. When I arrived on this campus I had the same expectation.
I wouldn’t say that I ever knew I would love my ‘coworkers’ this much, even. To this day, I’m not sure how it happened, or when it happened, but somewhere along the way I gained some of the best friends I will ever have.
I wake up every day to amazing people who care about me, and me about them. I go to lunch with people who are willing to share their deepest secrets with me. I laugh with people who understand my jokes before I say them, and who sometimes beat me to the punchline.
I have obsessed over potential health conditions and relationships (or in her case…lack thereof) with a person that is practically the opposite of me. We have determined the pros and cons of schools in the South (cute gentlemen vs. hot summers) and diagnosed our own thyroid diseases. “No. No. I WILL drive your car away if you take me to that bridge.”
I have gotten lost (trying to find the Athens McDonald’s) and found my way back (to who I used to be, the real me) with a person by my side who completely opened my eyes. I have never in my life met someone so dramatic, nor have I ever met someone who could so easily crack me up with the stupidest looks. Cheers to adversity, love. “If you wanna get it in later, you are gonna have to get it out now.” “DA LATTAYY MUSHEEN DAYOWN.”
I have laughed hysterically at a person who is truly one of the bravest and most respectable people I have ever met, whether he wears an orange lanyard or a blue one (fourth year, fourth year). He too has opened my eyes. We hear “don’t judge a book by its cover” all too often, but I guess sometimes you have to learn lessons the hard way… “Get big Go BLAZE or go home.”
I have met three people who I can respect for their work ethic and dedication to their aspirations. I can respect them because they make them out of kindness and compassion, not judgment. Again, never make assumptions about people. People’s intentions are rarely as negative as we presume them to be. I love all of the three original dawgs. Maybe one day I will join them. “WHY DON’T YOU PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR DECK IS!”
I have someone so dedicated to the things they love that they can’t wait to leave here…not because they want to get away from here, but because they can’t wait to return to what (or where) they love (to be). They make me dance when I don’t want to, eat when I don’t want to and laugh when I really don’t need to. I admire them, and hope that I can live as happily and carefree as her. Even if she does like Carolina Blue. Gross. “I didn’t have Facebook ‘til Duke TiP.” “Thank you for letting me be you!”
I have been thoroughly creeped out. Literally. In all forms that creeping out can take place. I have had rotten chin-hairs rubbed on my shoulders. I have winked at. I have listened to awful jokes that I laugh at anyways. I have listened to rap music while I (tried) to sleep in the back of a car. I have ‘hated’. But not really. Thanks for a good laugh, Kansas. “So…is uh…The Wizard of Oz a big hit where you’re from?” “I HATE YOU SO MUCH.”
I am currently sitting next to one of the silliest, sweetest role models. She says she shouldn’t be. NOT a big deal. Nah. Whether she is flipping out because the talent show is approximately thirty minutes behind (aka they are going to shut down the building) or talking to the bitch-of-a-mother of her BFF, she has a smile on her face. She, too is one of the most charismatic people I can think of. Her (usually) positive energy is exactly what I needed. So thank you. “Don’t feel obligated to do shit for someone that you know doesn’t care about you. Don’t waste your energy.” “Nooooooot a big deal.”
I have gained a bro. I’m not even a bro. Maybe an honorary bro? We have shared copious amounts of pizza, awkward smells in the car on the way to Florida, and sea-sickness…on the way to Florida. We have been Good Samaritans, and been repayed for it. We have fist-bumped and watched shitty bro-TV shows (that should be a programming network….BroTV. Money). I have forced water down his throat (not literally, thank God) and danced on tables beside him. He has always been a positive influence on me, and his presence is absolutely refreshing. “Let me center my chi.” “Her nubbin’s were flailin’ around.” “Absolutely.” “Lock it up!”
I have stayed up until 4:30 am with a person who didn’t know me from Adam as she gave me the best medicine I needed…an ear. No advice, no judgement. Just herself. She listened to my stupid problems, and then shared her own. We have traded life stories, fashion advice, Choo Choo’s, pizza, gossip about boys, and Vanessa Carlton when showering. She feeds me when I really don’t need to consume more calories, and she tells me when I look like shit, but in a sweet way, obvi. We defend our right to fashion, and act like ladies, always. Classy not trashy. I never would have imagined that I would meet someone who could become such a good friend, confidant and twinsie in such a short amount of time. “I was hiding under your porch because I love you.” “Meep.” I love you.
I began this summer with coworkers. I began this summer fearing what June and July would hold in store for me. I am ending the summer with family. I love each and every one of my ‘coworkers’, because they are so much more than that. They are what got me through long days and longer nights, and what helped me figure out I am and what the hell I am supposed to be doing with myself. Thank you. I love you.
“People will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Now, I guess I will get back to actively supervising the TIPsters in the lobby. After all, our work is never done…..at least not for 18 more hours. <3
