You've been more than a friend to me.

As I am preparing myself for my trip and reflecting on points and people in my life, I can't forget my friends I have at Samford. I have been truly blessed to attend Samford University and that is a whole other story... for now, I just want to share just how much these individuals have poured into me during my last two years at Samford. To say the least, I am a very very lucky girl.

One fine Sunday, Spring of Freshman Year, just strolling along in the Caf... Laren Lewis asks me if I want to room with her for Sophomore Year in the Alpha Delta Pi House. We chat about it a little bit and decide Yeah! I had no idea we were a perfect match from the beginning. To find a roommate and best friend that inspires me, uplifts me, and shares the same goals and interests as me is so rare and I am so lucky to have found that in Laren. She goes after everything with all of her heart and I cannot imagine a better person to come home to everyday. Her passion has inspired me to go after my dreams just as she is not afraid to do so. And her heart is so big... I look up to her servant heart so much. I am so lucky to have someone always there for me and never let me down. Mrs. Lewis always jokes around about how I have to put up with Laren... that is not the case at all. If I put up with her, she is the one putting up with me. I am the lucky one. Laren is actually the one who got me to apply for this internship with Buckner. And we are so lucky to have both gotten the chance to do this. She is also the Trip Leader for her team traveling to Dominican Republic and I know that she would be more than grateful for all of your prayers as she is there in June too.

If you ask my friend Lauren what I thought of her in Middle School, she will say she thought I hated her. False. But, Lauren and I became best friends after seven years of knowing each other. Freshman year at Samford, we stuck together like glue. To sound really cheesy, Lauren completes me. The hilarious comments and humor she brings to situations saves me over and over. I always look forward to our lunches that we isolate ourselves in the Caf and just focus on each other for a little part of our day. Not only is Lauren one of the most intentional people with her friendships, but she has no idea how influential she is. Lauren has always encouraged me while at Samford and been there for me every single time I needed it. She knows not to hug me when I am upset (learned that the hard way!), she knows when to push me to go for something, and she knows that without her support, I do not know where I would be. And she has been so encouraging with me and preparing for this experience in Guatemala even if it means I cannot go with her to Cozumel this summer… just another example of how she always puts her friends first.

I would like to thank Marge for many things during this process… but most importantly, her honesty. Surprisingly, Marge and I lived on the same hall all of our Freshman Year at Samford. Since I basically lived on 4^th East instead of 1^st East, I really did not get to know her all that much and I regret that. It was not until living next door to each other this year in the ADPi house that I really got to call Marge one of my best friends. If it weren’t for Marge, I would not be aware of so many things about myself. Her honesty saves me over and over. Marge is another friend that I would describe as so intentional. She is intentional with her time, energy, and love. Her determination amazes me and I know that if I ever need anything, she is there. I am so lucky to have a friend like this, it is so rare. For her sweet letters, room visits, last minute dinner dates when nobody else is home, I am thankful. Marge always pushes me to stand up for what I believe and without her pushing me, I know that I would not be going to Guatemala in just a few days.

And what would I do without Kate and her cuteness? Whenever I need a good pick-me-up, I know I will be satisfied just walking into that room and distracting her from her many studies. Kate is the friend that holds everyone together, helps us keep our sanity, and knows how to get a car to sing at the top of their lungs. I am so lucky to have a rock like this girl in my life. Her prayers and sweet words are so uplifting and I know that I am so lucky to have her by my side.

My favorite hand to hold. I am so lucky to have this spunky, fun, light hearted girl in my life. Jordan is the friend that even though our lives get crazy and we may go missing for weeks or even months at a time, we still come right back to each other. I have so much appreciated all of the time you have spent in our room as our third roomie. You know what you believe, you stand by it, and I so much admire you for that. I know I have learned to be more confident in myself because of you and you probably have no idea the influence you have made on me.

During my Sophomore Year, we had a new friend come visit our room quite often. Mariah. We were so happy to have another roomie and especially one as sweet as her. She works so hard at everything she does and puts even more effort into her relationships. I have been so lucky as to be one of those people that she invests in. Mariah’s sweet soul inspires me to be compassionate and always look for the best in people.

When I first met this boy, I couldn’t stand him. He knows that. He was super honest, outspoken, and was not the least bit afraid of people not liking what he said… this was so not like me during my freshman year of college. Somehow we became the best of friends in time. Now, words cannot describe how thankful I am for Nick. I can honestly say I have never had a friend like him. Nick has shown me what a true man who fears the Lord looks like and for that, I am so proud to call him one of my best friends. Everything he does, he has a reason. Everything he says, he has a reason. He challenges me over and over to think about just how great our God is and these are the conversations I will always remember from my time at Samford. Like a father, Nick is one of the most protective people I know.. which is great for me because I always know I have someone looking out for me. As much as I tease him about it, I really do appreciate having someone like this in my life. I have learned so much from this friend just in the past year. And when it came time to discuss summer plans, he was so supportive of making me go for the most worthwhile experience and that was Guatemala. He knew that God was leading me somewhere this summer and this was it.

Thursdays are my Kameron days. During our Sophomore year, we decided that in the craziness of our schedules, we would set aside every Thursday lunch for each other. Best plans I made! I am so thankful for Kameron in my life. I have been able to spend time with such a caring, supportive, honest individual every week and he is so selfless in devoting time to me. I have learned so much from Kameron and have admired him as long as we have been friends. He never gives up, always puts his friends first, and always supports. Everyone always says you cannot read peoples’ minds… but pretty sure this boy can read mine. He knows exactly what to say exactly when I need it. Whenever we talk, it is like coming home again to family. I am so thankful to have met someone so supportive and especially in this process of preparing for Guatemala.  

Caroline, My Little Sister 

Kadie, my Violet Sister

How could I forget my Little and my Violet?! These two have been such awesome support systems for me. They may be younger and I am supposed to be the big sisterly role model type… but really, I look up to these two so much. Kadie, wish her selfless and compassionate attitude towards absolutely everything. And Caroline with her always fun, uplifting, and optimistic approach towards everything that comes up. I know that when I am with these two, I will be happy and have such great conversation. I am so so happy these two came to Samford this year and better yet are living under the same roof as me next year. I can’t imagine Samford without them now. 

And there are so many more people to thank, but then you all would get very bored reading pages and pages. In the end, I am so thankful for these people in my life and I am so lucky to have them by my side.