The Power of Low to No: Dorm Life

Something just happened that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. We had all just come home from our respective shows, and were in our rooms, checking email and whatnot. Then Laura poked her head out.

“You guys…I just got the Arena internship!”

Joe, Rachel, and I spilled out into the hall for hugs and happiness. About three minutes later, Joe shared that he had a second interview for an internship, and we repeated the process. Jane came out and rejoiced with us too.

I must admit, I was a tad concerned about living with my classmates. We have always gotten along well, but when you live together, take classes together, socialize together…it can be a bit much. But I wasn’t really thinking about it too much, which is why I’ve been so happy about how we’re actually getting closer. More importantly, we live really well together. Everyone is respectful, understanding, and generally laid back. The five of us often find ourselves chatting in the hallway or kitchen for long periods of time. In fact, I have such a great time living with these people that it’s part of the reason I’m not getting enough work done! I’ll go into my room, hear a burst of laughter come from the kitchen, and not want to miss out on the action.

We’ve become kind of precious. Joe gave all of us chocolates for International Women’s Day, and we got him a bottle of vodka for his name day. We planned a fake season for the ART that’s hilarious and created a 30 Rock drinking game. We borrow and loan articles of clothing and ask about outfits. We buy communal butter, detergent, and cookies for others to try. They were so wonderful when I fell, and as a thank you I put some chocolate out in the kitchen for all of them.

Yes, the walls are thin. Yes, I can hear Rachel’s alarm go off. Yes, it sometimes smells like smoke. But I can live with all of that. It’s so nice that our floor feels homey and is such fun. Even better, I’m so glad to becoming closer with my classmates. The Fifth Floor Five pretty much rock.